Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.3
2.5
Journals
Universe
Special Issues
Studying the Universe from Spain
share announcement

Studying the Universe from Spain

A special issue of Universe (ISSN 2218-1997).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 28264

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Susana Cebrian Guajardo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro de Astropartículas y Física de Altas Energías (CAPA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: dark matter; direct detection; neutrino; double beta decay; underground physics; radioactive backgrounds
Dr. María Martínez Pérez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fundación ARAID and Centro de Astropartículas y Física de Altas Energías (CAPA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: particle cosmology; radiation sources and detectors
Dr. Carlos Peña Garay

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Consorcio Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc, Canfranc Estación, Aragón, Spain
Interests: astroparticle physics; systems biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Spanish community is highly active in many fields related to the study of the universe lying at the intersection of Cosmology, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Nuclear, Particle, and Astroparticle Physics. Spanish groups, usually as part of international collaborations, follow different research lines related to: neutrino physics (studying oscillations, double beta decay, the non-zero mass), high-energy cosmic rays and gamma-rays from different sources, dark matter (trying to detect WIMPs or axions and searching for evidences), gravitational waves and, in general, so-called multimessenger astronomy. Experiments and observatories (already running or in preparation) are in some cases placed in singular facilities located in Spain, while in other cases, they are developed in other countries all over the world.

This Special Issue is intended to provide an overview of the present status of this research carried out in Spain, focused on topics covered by the Universe journal. Reviews and original submissions on all of them are very welcome. We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Susana Cebrian Guajardo
Dr. María Martínez Pérez
Dr. Carlos Peña Garay
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Universe is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cosmology
  • astrophysics
  • astronomy
  • nuclear and particle physics
  • astroparticle physics
  • dark matter
  • neutrino
  • cosmic rays

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 4444 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study of the Positive Ion Feedback from Gas to Liquid in a Dual-Phase Argon Chamber and Measurement of the Ion Mobility in Argon Gas
by Luciano Romero, Roberto Santorelli, Edgar Sánchez García, Thorsten Lux, Michael Leyton, Silvestro di Luise, Pablo García Abia, Rodrigo López Manzano, José Manuel Cela-Ruiz, Sebastián Quizhpi and Vicente Pesudo
Universe 2022, 8(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8020134 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1654
Abstract
The dynamics of the positive ions created by particle interactions inside argon time projection chambers plays an important role in characterizing the next generation of massive detectors planned for the direct search for dark matter and the study of neutrino properties. We have [...] Read more.
The dynamics of the positive ions created by particle interactions inside argon time projection chambers plays an important role in characterizing the next generation of massive detectors planned for the direct search for dark matter and the study of neutrino properties. We have constructed a 1 L liquid argon chamber (ARION: ARgon ION experiment) with a high voltage pulse generator capable of injecting, in a controlled manner, a sizeable ion current into the drift region. This chamber is capable of reproducing a volume charge similar to that found in large detectors, allowing its effects to be studied systematically. New experimental results regarding ion dynamics in the liquid and direct demonstration of ion feedback from the gas to the liquid are discussed in this paper. In addition, a novel technique to measure the drift velocity of argon ions is introduced along with preliminary results obtained in gas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5368 KiB  
Article
Radon Mitigation Applications at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC)
by Javier Pérez-Pérez, Julio Cesar Amare, Iulian Catalin Bandac, Alberto Bayo, Silvia Borjabad-Sánchez, Jose Maria Calvo-Mozota, Laura Cid-Barrio, Rebecca Hernández-Antolín, Beatriz Hernández-Molinero, Pau Novella, Krzysztof Pelczar, Carlos Peña-Garay, Beatriz Romeo, Alfonso Ortiz de Solórzano, Michel Sorel, Jordi Torrent, Alberto Usón, Anna Wojna-Pelczar and Grzegorz Zuzel
Universe 2022, 8(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8020112 - 9 Feb 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3078
Abstract
The Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC) is the Spanish national hub for low radioactivity techniques and the associated scientific and technological applications. The concentration of the airborne radon is a major component of the radioactive budget in the neighborhood of the detectors. The [...] Read more.
The Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC) is the Spanish national hub for low radioactivity techniques and the associated scientific and technological applications. The concentration of the airborne radon is a major component of the radioactive budget in the neighborhood of the detectors. The LSC hosts a Radon Abatement System, which delivers a radon suppressed air with 1.1±0.2 mBq/m3 of 222Rn. The radon content in the air is continuously monitored with an Electrostatic Radon Monitor. Measurements with the double beta decay demonstrators NEXT-NEW and CROSS and the gamma HPGe detectors show the important reduction of the radioactive background due to the purified air in the vicinity of the detectors. We also discuss the use of this facility in the LSC current program which includes NEXT-100, low background biology experiments and radiopure copper electroformation equipment placed in the radon-free clean room. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
Generalised Asymptotic Solutions for the Inflaton in the Oscillatory Phase of Reheating
by Gabriel Álvarez, Luis Martínez Alonso and Elena Medina
Universe 2021, 7(10), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7100390 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
We determine generalised asymptotic solutions for the inflaton field, the Hubble parameter, and the equation-of-state parameter valid during the oscillatory phase of reheating for potentials that close to their global minima behave as even monomial potentials. For the quadratic potential, we derive a [...] Read more.
We determine generalised asymptotic solutions for the inflaton field, the Hubble parameter, and the equation-of-state parameter valid during the oscillatory phase of reheating for potentials that close to their global minima behave as even monomial potentials. For the quadratic potential, we derive a generalised asymptotic expansion for the inflaton with respect to the scale set by inverse powers of the cosmic time. For the quartic potential, we derive an explicit, two-term generalised asymptotic solution in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions, with a scale set by inverse powers of the square root of the cosmic time. In the general case, we find similar two-term solutions where the leading order term is defined implicitly in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric function. The relation between the leading terms of the instantaneous equation-of-state parameter and different averaged values is discussed in the general case. Finally, we discuss the physical significance of the generalised asymptotic solutions in the oscillatory regime and their matching to the appropriate solutions in the thermalization regime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1658 KiB  
Review
Dark Matter in Supersymmetry
by Sven Heinemeyer and Carlos Muñoz
Universe 2022, 8(8), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8080427 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
Supersymmetry is a well-motivated theory for physics beyond the Standard Model. In particular, supersymmetric models can naturally possess dark matter candidates that can give rise to the measured dark matter content of the universe. We review several models that have been analyzed with [...] Read more.
Supersymmetry is a well-motivated theory for physics beyond the Standard Model. In particular, supersymmetric models can naturally possess dark matter candidates that can give rise to the measured dark matter content of the universe. We review several models that have been analyzed with regard to dark matter by groups based in Spain in recent years. These models include, in particular, the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and the ‘μ from ν’ Supersymmetric Standard Model (μνSSM) in various versions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 1052 KiB  
Review
Progress in the Simulation and Modelling of Coherent Radio Pulses from Ultra High-Energy Cosmic Particles
by Jaime Alvarez-Muñiz and Enrique Zas
Universe 2022, 8(6), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8060297 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2026
Abstract
In the last decade, many experiments have been planned, designed or constructed to detect Ultra High Energy showers produced by cosmic rays or neutrinos using the radio technique. This technique consists in detecting short radio pulses emitted by the showers. When the detected [...] Read more.
In the last decade, many experiments have been planned, designed or constructed to detect Ultra High Energy showers produced by cosmic rays or neutrinos using the radio technique. This technique consists in detecting short radio pulses emitted by the showers. When the detected wavelengths are longer than typical shower length scales, the pulses are coherent. Radio emission can be simulated by adding up the contributions of all the particle showers in a coherent way. The first program to use this approach was based on an algorithm developed more than thirty years ago and referred to as “ZHS”. Since then, much progress has been obtained using the ZHS algorithm with different simulation programs to investigate pulses from showers in dense homogeneous media and the atmosphere, applying it to different experimental initiatives, and developing extensions to address different emission mechanisms or special circumstances. We here review this work, primarily led by the authors in collaboration with other scientists, illustrating the connections between different articles, and giving a pedagogical approach to most of the work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 13367 KiB  
Review
Science with Neutrino Telescopes in Spain
by Juan José Hernández-Rey, Miguel Ardid, Manuel Bou Cabo, David Calvo, Antonio F. Díaz, Sara Rebecca Gozzini, Juan A. Martínez-Mora, Sergio Navas, Diego Real, Francisco Salesa Greus, Agustín Sánchez Losa, Juan de Dios Zornoza and Juan Zúñiga
Universe 2022, 8(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8020089 - 29 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2714
Abstract
The primary scientific goal of neutrino telescopes is the detection and study of cosmic neutrino signals. However, the range of physics topics that these instruments can tackle is exceedingly wide and diverse. Neutrinos coming from outside the Earth, in association with other messengers, [...] Read more.
The primary scientific goal of neutrino telescopes is the detection and study of cosmic neutrino signals. However, the range of physics topics that these instruments can tackle is exceedingly wide and diverse. Neutrinos coming from outside the Earth, in association with other messengers, can contribute to clarify the question of the mechanisms that power the astrophysical accelerators which are known to exist from the observation of high-energy cosmic and gamma rays. Cosmic neutrinos can also be used to bring relevant information about the nature of dark matter, to study the intrinsic properties of neutrinos and to look for physics beyond the Standard Model. Likewise, atmospheric neutrinos can be used to study an ample variety of particle physics issues, such as neutrino oscillation phenomena, the determination of the neutrino mass ordering, non-standard neutrino interactions, neutrino decays and a diversity of other physics topics. In this article, we review a selected number of these topics, chosen on the basis of their scientific relevance and the involvement in their study of the Spanish physics community working in the KM3NeT and ANTARES neutrino telescopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 10629 KiB  
Review
Revealing Neutrino Oscillations Unknowns with Reactor and Long-Baseline Accelerator Experiments
by Inés Gil-Botella and Carmen Palomares
Universe 2022, 8(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8020081 - 27 Jan 2022
Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Reactor and accelerator-based neutrino experiments have played a critical role in the understanding of neutrino oscillations and are currently dominating the high-precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters. The discovery of a non-zero θ13 by the reactor experiments has opened the possibility of [...] Read more.
Reactor and accelerator-based neutrino experiments have played a critical role in the understanding of neutrino oscillations and are currently dominating the high-precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters. The discovery of a non-zero θ13 by the reactor experiments has opened the possibility of observing CP violation in the lepton sector by long-baseline accelerator experiments. The current knowledge of the neutrino oscillation parameters will be expanded upon in the near future through more precise measurements, including the discovery of the neutrino mass ordering and the CP-violating phase. This review summarizes the distinct and complementary approach of reactor and accelerator-based neutrino experiments to measure neutrino oscillations. The main scientific achievements of the Double Chooz reactor neutrino experiment and the science program to be developed by the DUNE long-baseline neutrino experiment with the world’s most intense neutrino beam are presented in this article. Spain has strongly contributed to these results and will continue to play a prominent role in the neutrino oscillation program in the coming years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1567 KiB  
Review
Dark Matter Searches Using NaI(Tl) at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory: Past, Present and Future
by Julio Amaré, Susana Cebrián, David Cintas, Iván Coarasa, Clara Cuesta, Eduardo García, María Martínez, Ángel Morales, Julio Morales, Miguel Ángel Oliván, Ysrael Ortigoza, Alfonso Ortiz de Solórzano, Tamara Pardo, Carlos Pobes, Jorge Puimedón, Ana Salinas, María Luisa Sarsa, José Ángel Villar and Patricia Villar
Universe 2022, 8(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8020075 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3069
Abstract
Sodium Iodide Thallium doped (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detectors have been applied to the direct searches for dark matter since the 1980s and have produced one of the most challenging results in the field—the observation by the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration of an annual modulation in the [...] Read more.
Sodium Iodide Thallium doped (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detectors have been applied to the direct searches for dark matter since the 1980s and have produced one of the most challenging results in the field—the observation by the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration of an annual modulation in the detection rate for more than twenty cycles. This result is very difficult to reconcile with negative results derived from other experiments using a large variety of target materials and detection techniques. However, it has been neither confirmed nor refuted in a model independent way up to the present. Such a model independent test of the DAMA/LIBRA result is the goal of the ANAIS-112 experiment, presently in the data taking phase at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain. ANAIS-112 design and operation leans on the expertise acquired at the University of Zaragoza in direct searches for Dark Matter particles using different targets and techniques and in particular using NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors for about thirty years, which are reviewed in the first section of this manuscript. In addition to presenting the status and more recent results of the ANAIS-112 experiment, open research lines, continuing this effort, will be presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1426 KiB  
Review
Digging into Axion Physics with (Baby)IAXO
by Theopisti Dafni and Javier Galán
Universe 2022, 8(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8010037 - 8 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2613
Abstract
Dark matter searches have been ongoing for three decades; the lack of a positive discovery of the main candidate, the WIMP, after dedicated efforts, has put axions and axion-like particles in the spotlight. The three main techniques employed to search for them complement [...] Read more.
Dark matter searches have been ongoing for three decades; the lack of a positive discovery of the main candidate, the WIMP, after dedicated efforts, has put axions and axion-like particles in the spotlight. The three main techniques employed to search for them complement each other well in covering a wide range in the parameter space defined by the axion decay constant and the axion mass. The International AXion Observatory (IAXO) is an international collaboration planning to build the fourth generation axion helioscope, with an unparalleled expected sensitivity and discovery potential. The distinguishing characteristic of IAXO is that it will feature a magnet that is designed to maximise the relevant parameters in sensitivity and which will be equipped with X-ray focusing devices and detectors that have been developed for axion physics. In this paper, we review aspects that motivate IAXO and its prototype, BabyIAXO, in the axion, and ALPs landscape. As part of this Special Issue, some emphasis is given on Spanish participation in the project, of which CAPA (Centro de Astropartículas y Física de Altas Energías of the Universidad de Zaragoza) is a strong promoter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 15551 KiB  
Review
Design of New Resonant Haloscopes in the Search for the Dark Matter Axion: A Review of the First Steps in the RADES Collaboration
by Alejandro Díaz-Morcillo, José María García Barceló, Antonio José Lozano Guerrero, Pablo Navarro, Benito Gimeno, Sergio Arguedas Cuendis, Alejandro Álvarez Melcón, Cristian Cogollos, Sergio Calatroni, Babette Döbrich, Juan Daniel Gallego-Puyol, Jessica Golm, Igor García Irastorza, Chloe Malbrunot, Jordi Miralda-Escudé, Carlos Peña Garay, Javier Redondo and Walter Wuensch
Universe 2022, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8010005 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3421
Abstract
With the increasing interest in dark matter axion detection through haloscopes, in which different international groups are currently involved, the RADES group was established in 2016 with the goal of developing very sensitive detection systems to be operated in dipole magnets. This review [...] Read more.
With the increasing interest in dark matter axion detection through haloscopes, in which different international groups are currently involved, the RADES group was established in 2016 with the goal of developing very sensitive detection systems to be operated in dipole magnets. This review deals with the work developed by this collaboration during its first five years: from the first designs—based on the multi-cavity concept, aiming to increase the haloscope volume, and thereby improve sensitivity—to their evolution, data acquisition design, and finally, the first experimental run. Moreover, the envisaged work within RADES for both dipole and solenoid magnets in the short and medium term is also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 561 KiB  
Review
NuFIT: Three-Flavour Global Analyses of Neutrino Oscillation Experiments
by Maria Concepcion Gonzalez-Garcia, Michele Maltoni and Thomas Schwetz
Universe 2021, 7(12), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7120459 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 95 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
In this contribution, we summarise the determination of neutrino masses and mixing arising from global analysis of data from atmospheric, solar, reactor, and accelerator neutrino experiments performed in the framework of three-neutrino mixing and obtained in the context of the NuFIT collaboration. Apart [...] Read more.
In this contribution, we summarise the determination of neutrino masses and mixing arising from global analysis of data from atmospheric, solar, reactor, and accelerator neutrino experiments performed in the framework of three-neutrino mixing and obtained in the context of the NuFIT collaboration. Apart from presenting the latest status as of autumn 2021, we discuss the evolution of global-fit results over the last 10 years, and mention various pending issues (and their resolution) that occurred during that period in the global analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studying the Universe from Spain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-11
Back to TopTop