Astrophysics

Astroparticle physics and astrophysics

Astroparticle physics is a branch of particle physics that studies elementary particles of astronomical origin and their relation to astrophysics and cosmology. It is a relatively new field of research emerging at the intersection of particle physics, astronomy, astrophysics, detector physics, relativity, solid state physics, and cosmology.
Currently we are doing research within :

Gamma-ray bursts, supernovae and active galactic nuclei

• Gamma-ray bursts: we are analyzing properties of primarily properties of long gamma-ray bursts both from theoretical and observational side. We are studying signatures of photospheres in gamma-ray bursts, emission mechanisms in both prompt and the afterglow phase and developing different models for explaining the observed properties.
• Supernovae: We are studying the properties of supernovae and their remnants in order to understand the progenitors, the explosion mechanism and the compact objects created in the explosions.
• Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN): We are performing multiwavelength spectral and variability studies of AGN in order to undertand the disc-jet connection and to locate the high-energy emitting regions. 
• Cosmic rays: in this area we are doing multimessenger studies to investigate connection with neutrions.

Instrumentation and development of new space missions

• PoGOLite/PoGO+ Hard X-ray polarisation of the Crab and Cygnus X-1 : A balloon-borne Compton telescope launched from the Esrange Space Center, northern Sweden, in 2016. Our observations have revealed the hard X-ray polarization fraction and direction of the Crab , elucidated properties of is periodic pulsations , constrained the emission geometry of the Cygnus X-1 binary system , and provided an upper flux limit for its synchrotron jet emission .
• CUBES : a part of the MIST  student satellite. A technological readiness demonstrator for evaluating the performance of novel detector materials and techniques which have limited space heritage. These include MPPC photo-sensors and GAGG inorganic scintillators.
• X-Calibur/XL-Calibur: A balloon-borne X-ray polarimeter achieving high sensitivity through the use of X-ray optics for focusing emission onto a compact detector system. A short flight was conducted from McMurdo, Antarctica, in late 2018, during which the GX 301-2 pulsar was studied . The payload is currently being upgraded (X -> XL) with a new mirror and detector to allow even better sensitivity for an upcoming flight.

KTH Space Center

KTH Space Center  coordinates and promotes space-related activity at several KTH departments, with an overarching objective of establishing KTH as a "Space University" and a hub for Swedish space research and technology.

Oskar Klein Centre

We are a part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics  where researchers and students enjoy a large palette of supporting activities like weekly OKC Colloquia, biweekly Working Group meetings, OKC Day gatherings every term, and cross-disciplinary science pubs. The OKC carries out a number of popular science outreach activities in order to share our operations with the public.