• Atomic Physics
• Biophysics Theory and Experiment
• Condensed Matter Experiment
• Condensed Matter Theory
• Cosmology Experiment
• Cosmology Theory
• High Energy Experiment
• High Energy Theory
• Mathematical Physics
• Particle & Nuclear Astrophysics Faculty
  • Frank Calaprice
  • Cristiano Galbiati

• Quantitative and Computational Biology
• Cosmology at Princeton
• Lewis-Sigler Institute
• Princeton Center for Theoretical Physics
• Princeton Institute for the Science
  and Technology of Materials

The particle and nuclear astrophysics program addresses questions of fundamental physics in astrophysical systems. Current research topics include Solar Neutrinos, WIMP Dark Matter searches, Neutrino-less Double Beta Decay, and detection of Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos.

Solar Neutrinos
Princeton has a major role in the Borexino Solar Neutrino Experiment at the Gran Sasso Laboratory. The detector consists of 1300 tons of ultra-pure liquid scintillator, and is well positioned to make the first direct-counting measurement of low-energy neutrinos from the Sun (7Be and pep neutrinos). The measurement will allow to verify some fundamental features of neutrinos oscillations still not yet probed by experiments. It will serve also as a fundamental test for the theory of the complex physics of the Sun and of stellar evolution.

WIMP Dark Matter Searches
There is now overwhelming evidence that some 30% of the universe is in the form of cold dark matter, but the nature of this matter remains a mystery. The most attractive theory is that it is Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) that froze out of the early universe. Such particles are a generic prediction of supersymmetry, and, should they exist, dominate the Milky Way and are likely to be detectable on Earth. Princeton has a major role in WARP, a WIMP Dark Matter Search Program at Gran Sasso Laboratory.

Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos
Princeton, jointly with Stanford and with the Naval Postgraduate School, has developed and installed SAUND, an acoustic detector for Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos. The detector exploits a set of hydrophones of the US Navy at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) located off the Andros Island, Bahamas.

Particle and Nuclear Astrophysics probes questions of fundamental importance, but still takes place in relatively small collaborations. It is a wonderful research opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students, who are involved in both hardware development and data analysis.

Frank Calaprice: Nuclear Astrophysics, Solar Neutrinos, Fundamental Symmetries, CP and T Violation Experiments on Polarized Nuclei

Cristiano Galbiati: Solar Neutrinos, Dark Matter, Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos