The course consists of a part dealing with topics of experimental astrophysics, starting from elements of photometry, radiometry and spectroscopy, followed by a detailed description of typical use of tools and techniques for sky observations from the ground and space. An overview of the current fields of experimental activities follows on which students can make practice applying what they have learned during the lectures.
Texts and presentations of the lessons
Specific articles on experimental techniques and instrumentation.
Kitchin, Astronomical Techniques
Schroeder, Astronomical optics
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Main experimental techniques in astrophysics, techniques for astrophysical observation, electro-optical technologies for the acquisition of photon signals.
Competence acquired : use of instrumentation for astrophysical experiments: imaging cameras, spectrometers, polarimeters. Astrophysical techniques for observation by telescopes. Experiment setting up. Data analysis from observations.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course): design and implementation of experiments to observe the sky from the ground and from space; use of astrophysical instrumentation. Analysis and definition of the experimental and observational parameters to define the requirements of the experiment.
Prerequisites
Spherical astronomy, Astronomy, Optics, Fourier optics, statistical data analysis.
Reports on an experimental activity and oral examination
Course program
Introduction: Experimental Astronomy from the ground and from space. Basic concepts of optics. Telescopes: types, aberrations, optical parameters. Telescopes in Radio, X-rays and gamma rays bands. Photometer: types (single pixel or imaging cameras) and optical parameters. Spectrometers: types, optical configurations and optical parameters. Techniques of optical design. Other techniques: interferometry and polarimetry. Detectors: types and principles of operation, electro-optical parameters and their characterization. Analysis of optical systems for ground-based applications in the visible. Analysis of optical systems for ground-based applications in the radio. Analysis of optical systems for space applicationsin the visible. Analysis of optical systems for applications from space in the X-rays and gamma rays. Astrophysical techniques in several spectral bands. Adaptive optics. Experiments in astrobiology and planetary science. Physics experiments for gravitational wave investigation. Astroparticle experiments.