Effective Potential Improvements, ϵ\epsilon-expansions, and the Electroweak Phase Transition

Two recently proposed approaches to the study of the electroweak phase transition are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, LaTex (requires espcrc2.sty which is appended). Contribution to the Proceedings of Trends in Astroparticle Physic

A possible use for polarizers in imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes

Cherenkov radiation produced in Extensive Air Showers shows a net polarization. This article discusses its properties and physical origin, and proposes an arrangement of polarizers potentially useful for Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes.Comment: 30 pages, 13 figures. Accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

SO(10): a possible Scenario for new Physics in the Neutrino Sector and Baryogenesis

The implications on neutrino physics and on the dynamical generation of the baryonic asymmetry of a class of $SO(10)$ non-supersymmetric models are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, LaTex (requires espcrc2.sty which is appended). Contribution to the Proceedings of Trends in Astroparticle Physic

Effects of nuclear re-interactions in quasi-elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering

The effects of nuclear re-interactions in the quasi-elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering are investigated with a phenomenological model. We found that the nuclear responses are lowered and their maxima are shifted towards higher excitation energies. This is reflected on the total neutrino-nucleus cross section in a general reduction of about 15% for neutrino energies above 300 MeV.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures. Submitted to AstroParticle Physic

Prospects of Scintillating Crystal Detector in Low-Energy Low-Background Experiments

Scintillating crystal detector offers potential advantages in low-energy (keV-MeV range) low-background experiments for particle physics and astrophysics. The merits are discussed using CsI(Tl) crystal as illustrations. The various physics topics which can be pursued with this detector technology are summarized. A conceptual design for a generic detector is presented.Comment: 20 pages, 1 tables, 7 figures, submitted to Astroparticle Physic

Optimization of large homogeneous air Cherenkov arrays and application to the design of a 1TeV-100TeV gamma-ray observatory

At the time large air Cherenkov arrays are being discussed for future gamma-ray observatories, we review the relationship between the targeted capabilities and the main design parameters taking into account construction costs. As an example application, we describe a telescope array optimized for observations between 1 TeV and a few 100 TeV and use detailed simulations to estimate its performances in comparison to science objectives.Comment: 23 pages, 16 figures, accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic