Detector Development
The Washington University X-ray group works on the development of detectors
for the next generation of space-born X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes,
for particle physics experiments, for medical applications, and for
homeland security applications.
Ground Based Gamma-Ray Astronomy with VERITAS and AGIS
Together with the group of Prof. Buckley (Wash-U)
we participate in the VERITAS experiment, an array of 4 Cherenkov telescopes
of the 12 m diameter class. Our group plays a leading role in the task of high-level software
integration of the experiment. Furthermore, we orchestrate multiwavelength campaigns with
radio, infrared, optical, UV, X-ray, and
gamma-ray coverage and evaluate the
data. We are also involved in the development of the
VERITAS follow-up experiment AGIS.
X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Observations
The group uses the space-borne X-ray telescopes Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), Suzaku, Chandra, and XMM Newton
and the ground-based Whipple/VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes to explore the properties and behaviour of
matter and spacetime near black holes and to study clusters of galaxies, the largest virialized systems
in the universe.
Astrophysical Interpretation and Theoretical Modeling
We work on in-depth interpretation of the experimental data with analytical and numerical
calculations. The work centers on elucidating the astrophysics of collimated plasma outflows
(jets) from black holes, and on using the X-ray and TeV gamma-ray jet emission to study
the extragalacic infrared bckground and thus to learn about the early history of structure
and star formation in our universe.