Theoretische Kernastrophysik
Prof. S. Antusch's group
What is the theory of matter, forces and the universe? Stefan Antusch's group is working on the development of a more fundamental elementary particle theory which resolves the challenges of the present "Standard Model", gives rise to a consistent evolution of the universe and which can be tested by ongoing and future experiments. Towards this goal, the group currently focuses on particle theories of the early universe, unified theories of forces and the origin of particle masses and mixings, as well on ways to probe new physics with neutrinos.
Prof. F.-K. Thielemann's group
Theoretical Nuclear Astrophysics activities range from nuclear physics issues (e.g. cross section predictions for strong and weak interaction processes and properties of nuclei far from stability) to numerical simulations of explosive astrophysical events (e.g. supernovae , X-ray bursts, and binary neutron star mergers). A major focus exists on nucleosynthesis contributions of these objects to galactic evolution.
Prof. D. Trautmann's group
The main activity of our group are theoretical calculations of electromagnetic interactions, mostly in collisions of atoms and ions. At low energies we study excitation or ionization of common and exotic atoms, with focus also on the semi-classical regime and transition to chaos. At higher energies we study Coulomb excitation of so-called halo nuclei, multiple pair and antihydrogen production, and the use of relativistic heavy ion collisions for photon-photon or photon-hadron interactions.
Prof. (SNF) M. Liebendörfer's group
Macroscopic phenomena in nature - in astrophysics and on Earth - often originate from the interaction of tightly coupled microscopic processes with different characteristic length and time scales. We develop efficient transport/hydrodynamics algorithms in the context of gravitational collapse and supernova explosions. A reliable numerical link between the input physics and the observables in distant astrophysical objects provides new information about matter under otherwise inaccessible conditions, or vice versa, allows the prediction of a large-scale evolution based on well-known input physics.