Topological Defect Models of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays
Abstract
Description
We give an overview over models in which cosmic rays above 1 EeV = 10**(18) eV are produced by the decay of supermassive "X" particles released from topological defects possibly created in cosmological phase transitions. We note that, for an interesting particle physics parameter range, these models are still consistent with current data, and discuss signatures for the topological defect mechanism which can be tested by the next generation experiments.
8 latex pages, 2 postscript figures included, uses sprocl.sty (also included), to appear in proceedings of the "International School of Cosmic-Ray Astrophysics", Erice, 16-23 June 1996 (World Scientific)
8 latex pages, 2 postscript figures included, uses sprocl.sty (also included), to appear in proceedings of the "International School of Cosmic-Ray Astrophysics", Erice, 16-23 June 1996 (World Scientific)