Admission requirements
Basic knowledge of optics (geometrical optics, physical optics, interference, diffraction), Fourier transforms, astronomical observing techniques and computer programming is required.
Description
This course will teach Astronomy and Physics master's students the foundations of modern optical instruments including advanced concepts in geometrical and physical optics, optical design, and instrumentation. The course is the cornerstone of the Astronomy and Instrumentation master's specialisation. Students who have not followed the bachelor's course Astronomical Observing Techniques (AOT) are advised to follow the AOT crash-course during the first week.
The following topics will be covered in lectures and exercises:
Foundations of optics
Interference, diffraction and Fourier optics
Geometrical optics
Polarization
Thin films and coatings
Optical design
Telescopes
Imagers
Classical spectrographs
Advanced spectrographs
Interferometers
Polarimeters
Course objectives
Students will be able to:
Understand the principles of modern optical instruments in astronomy
Explain the operations of state-of-the-art optical instruments
Design simple astronomical instruments
Soft skills
In this course, students will be trained in the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Problem solving (recognizing and analyzing problems, solution-oriented thinking)
Analytical skills (analytical thinking, abstraction, evidence)
Structured thinking (structure, modulated thinking, computational thinking, programming)
Responsibility (ownership, self-discipline, bear mistakes, accountability)
Motivation (commitment, pro-active attitude, initiative)
Self-regulation (independence, self-esteem, aware of own goals, motives and capacities)
Verbal communication (presenting, speaking, listening)
Critical thinking (asking questions, check assumptions)
Creative thinking (resourcefulness, curiosity, thinking out of the box)
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Exercise classes
Practical classes
Assessment method
Written exam: 60%, see the Astronomy master examination schedules
Homework assignments: 20%
Presentation: 20%
Retake exams will be oral. Homework assignments and presentation will still count for the final grade.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used to communicate with students and to share lecture slides, homework assignments, and any extra materials. You must enroll on Blackboard before the first lecture. To have access, you need a student ULCN account.
Reading list
Field Guide to Astronomical Instrumentation, by Keller, Navarro, Brandl, published by SPIE (recommended)
Optics, by Eugene Hecht, published by Addison Wesley (recommended)
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
Lecturers: Prof.dr. C.U. Keller and Dr. M.A. Kenworthy
Assistant: Alexander Bohn
Remarks
Please note that this is a mandatory course for all master's students who follow the Astronomy and Instrumentation specialisation.