Admission requirements
Basic knowledge of optics (geometrical optics, physical optics, interference, diffraction), Fourier transforms, and computer programming is required. This is taught in the Leiden curriculum in Optica, Programmeermethoden NA, Analyse 3 NA and Astronomical Observing Techniques.
Description
Almost all modern telescopes use some form of Adaptive Optics (AO) to create diffraction-limited observations. The next generation of extremely large telescopes, including the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) that is currently under construction, are so large that it is nearly impossible to even design instruments without the use of AO.
This course is aimed at everyone that comes in contact with AO either through observational astronomy or from the perspective of high-tech instrumentation. The main goal of this course is to provide a solid basis of all the components that are part of an AO system.
Topics include:
Effects of atmospheric turbulence on astronomical images
Wavefront sensors and correctors for wavefront control
Principles of feedback control
Advanced algorithms for electric field sensing and control
How to analyze and optimize performance of adaptive optics systems
Advanced optical instrumentation that requires AO
Techniques for utilizing current and future systems for astronomical observations.
Course objectives
Principal course objective: After completion of this course, you will be able to correctly explain how AO instruments work and you will be able to design AO systems at a high-level.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Describe how atmospheric turbulence degrades astronomical images.
Explain the optical principles behind AO systems.
Use simple error budgets to make high-level design trade offs.
Simulate AO systems using code developed during the course
Evaluate the performance of an AO system.
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have successfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go to the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Exercise classes
Case study research project
Assessment method
Written exam (50 % of final grade)
The retake exam can be written, or oral, depending on the number of retake students. The oral exams are effectively still written exams: the examinee will have to solve exercises similar to the exam exercises, i.e. provide derivations, provide sketches, explain calculations, answer context questions.A presentation of a practical assignment in adaptive optics (50 % of final grade).
Reading list
A set of papers will provide the literature behind the methods discussed during the course.
The following book is optional but provides a good background:
Principles of Adaptive Optics, Tyson & Frasier, ISBN 9780367676032.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for registering on time, i.e. 14 days before the start of the course. This can be done via Mystudymap. You do this twice a year: once for the courses you want to take in semester 1 and once for the courses you want to take in semester 2. Please note: late registration is not possible.
Registration for courses in the first semester is possible from July; registration for courses in the second semester is possible from December. First-year bachelor students are registered for semester 1 by the faculty student administration; they do not have to do this themselves. For more information, see this page.
In addition, it is mandatory for all students, including first-year bachelor students, to register for exams. This can be done up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the exam or up to five calendar days in case of a retake exam. You cannot participate in the exam or retake without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. S.Y. Haffert
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.