Cosmic-ray Research Division
Institute for Space–Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University

Recent Posts

Cosmic-ray Research Division (CR Lab)

The Division for Cosmic-Ray Research at the Institute for Space–Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University accepts graduate students as the Cosmic-Ray Physics Laboratory (CR Laboratory) in the Division of Particle and Astrophysical Science, Graduate School of Science. The research topics encompass particle physics, solar physics, exoplanet exploration, the effects of cosmic rays on the Earth’s environment, and gamma-ray astrophysics, based on experimental and observational cosmic-ray physics.

For more information about our laboratory, please see “About the Cosmic-ray Research Division”, and for information about the graduate school entrance exam, please see “Graduate School Guide”.

The laboratory is managed by nine faculty members who conduct a wide range of research topics. This is a large group with an average of more than 20 undergraduate and graduate students, and is responsible for mentoring fourth-year undergraduate students, as well as those in the Master’s and Doctoral programs. For more information about the faculty members, please refer to “Members”.

Our Research

The CR Lab is working on many experimental projects in various research fields.

LHCf Experiments
The LHCf experiment uses the LHC accelerator to measure the cross sections of neutral particles produced by collisions between protons and nuclei, and to reduce the model uncertainties of electromagnetic showers produced by interactions of cosmic rays with the atmosphere, thereby revealing the mysteries of the mass composition of cosmic rays.
Solar-Neutron Observations
Studies of the proton acceleration mechanism in solar flares
Neutrino Studies
Search for high-energy cosmic neutrinos
Radiocarbon (14C)
Deciphering the ancient solar activity cycle
Direct Dark-Matter Search
Direct dark matter detection
Gamma-ray Astrophysics
We are studying cosmic-ray acceleration by supernova remnants and cosmic-ray interactions with interstellar matter, and searching for dark matter using the Fermi satellite. We are also developing instruments for the future Cherenkov Telescope Array project.