Unraveling the diffuse gamma-ray background using anisotropy

The detailed origin of the diffuse gamma-ray background is still unknown.  However, the contribution of unresolved sources is expected to induce small-scale anisotropies in this emission, which may provide a means of identifying and constraining the properties of its contributors.  Recent studies have predicted the anisotropy signatures of various astrophysical gamma-ray source populations, including blazars, star-forming galaxies, and millisecond pulsars, as well as those of possible exotic sources, such as extragalactic and Galactic dark matter annihilation and decay.  I will present the results of an angular power spectrum analysis of the high-latitude diffuse gamma-ray emission measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope, and discuss the implications of the measured anisotropy for gamma-ray source populations that may provide a contribution to the diffuse background.

Persona di contatto: Nicola Mazziotta

Relatore: Dr. Jennifer Siegal-Gaskins (CALTECH)