MethExpAstro

Methods of Experimental Astrophysics (OA) - MethExpAstro

CourseMethods of Experimental Astrophysics (OA)
Course No.MethExpAstro
CategoryTypeLanguageTeaching hoursCPSemester
ElectiveLecture with exercisesEnglish2+14ST
Requirements for Participation:

Preparation: Elementary Physics (Bachelor level); Astrophysics I (and II)

Form of Testing and Examination: Exercise and written test; or oral examination

Length of Course: 1 semester

Aims of the Course: Gain insight into which type of instrumentation, based on which principles, is employed for particular astronomical and astrophysical applications; and learn about their practical and fundamental limitations in resolution and sensitivity

Contents of the Course:
  • detection of radiation: direct and coherent detection

  • Signal/Noise ratio: fundamental and practical limits

  • principles of optical instruments: imaging

  • principles of optical instruments: spectroscopy

  • radio receivers: Local Oscillator, Mixer and Backend-Spectrometers

  • calibration: theory and measurement startegies



Recommended Literature:

Rieke: Detection of Light

Kraus: Radioastronomy

Bracewell: The Fourier Transform and its Applications



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