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Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments

Vak
2017-2018

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 Schedules Astronomy master 2017-2018

Mode of instruction

  • Lectures

  • Exercise classes

  • Practical classes

Assessment method

  • Written exam: 60%

  • 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. To have access, you need an ULCN account. More information:

Reading list

  • Field Guide to Astronomical Instrumentation, Keller, Navarro & Brandl, ISBN 9781628411775 (recommended)

  • Optics, Hecht, ISBN 9781292096933 (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 / Dr. M.A. Kenworthy
Assistant: Alexander Bohn
Course website: Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments (will be online at the start of the course)

Remarks

Please note that this is a mandatory course for all master's students who follow the Astronomy and Instrumentation specialisation.