Admission requirements
Bachelor course on Astronomical Observing Techniques
Basic knowledge of solid state physics
Description
Part a of this course is aimed at observational astronomers in general, to provide a solid knowledge basis on the generation of their observational data. Detection of Light Part b further extends on Part a and is available as an elective course in the Astronomy master's programme.
In this course you will learn how we detect electromagnetic radiation from the closest planets to the most distant galaxies in the Universe. The course consists of a series of weekly lectures. These will be interspersed with homework, and on at least two occasions, computer practicums, that will reinforce and demonstrate the physical principles involved with the detection of light. There will be an exam at the end of the semester that will form part of the final grade.
In the course we will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Solid State physics
Photodetectors
Bolometers
Heterodyne detectors
Superconducting detectors, including SQUID, MKIDs devices
Sources of noise generation and characteristics
Imaging detector artifacts
Conversion of detected photons into digital signals
Course objectives
The main objective of this course is that you will be able to:
Mention the three different physical principles for detecting electromagnetic radiation from astronomical sources.
Calculate the dominant sources of noise for each of the different detectors and assess their impact on the signal to noise for a given astrophysical target.
Apply the correct mitigation algorithms to the different artifacts present in imaging arrays.
Describe how detected photons are converted into digital measurements.
Assess which detector and detection methods are best for a given type of astrophysical observation.
Soft skills
In this course, you will be trained to:
Master a new field (astrophysical detectors)
Communicate with your fellow students to understand the homeworks and practicums
Analyze the different detector systems and make an informed decision
Work together in a team
Manage your time to hand in practicums and homeworks
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Computer practicums
Assessment method
Weekly homework assignments (mandatory and accounting for 20% of final grade)
Written exam - closed book with formula sheet provided (80%: ~50% calculations, ~30% qualitative explanations, ~20% multiple choice questions), see the Astronomy master examination schedules
The re-take exam will be an oral exam. In this case, the homework assignments still account to the final grade for 20%.
Blackboard
Blackboard is not used for this course.
Reading list
Detection of Light – from the Ultraviolet to the Submillimeter, by George Rieke, 2nd Edition, 2003, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-01710-6.
Registration
Via uSis. More information about signing up for your classes can be found here. Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.
Contact information
Lecturer: Dr. M.A. (Matt) Kenworthy
Assistant: Patrick Dorval
Course website: Detection of Light a
Remarks
None