Probing Quantum Gravity with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes

Universe

卷:7

Daniel Kerszberg¹  Jelena Strišković²  Tomislav Terzić³ 

[1] Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), E-08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;

[2] Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Physics, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;

[3] University of Rijeka, Department of Physics, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;

关键词: very-high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics;    relativistic astrophysics;    astroparticle physics;    imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes;    Quantum Gravity;    Lorentz invariance violation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/universe7090345

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

High energy photons from astrophysical sources are unique probes for some predictions of candidate theories of Quantum Gravity (QG). In particular, Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope (IACTs) are instruments optimised for astronomical observations in the energy range spanning from a few tens of GeV to ∼100 TeV, which makes them excellent instruments to search for effects of QG. In this article, we will review QG effects which can be tested with IACTs, most notably the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) and its consequences. It is often represented and modelled with photon dispersion relation modified by introducing energy-dependent terms. We will describe the analysis methods employed in the different studies, allowing for careful discussion and comparison of the results obtained with IACTs for more than two decades. Loosely following historical development of the field, we will observe how the analysis methods were refined and improved over time, and analyse why some studies were more sensitive than others. Finally, we will discuss the future of the field, presenting ideas for improving the analysis sensitivity and directions in which the research could develop.

【 授权许可】

Unknown