The course aims at providing graduate students in astrophysics with an introduction to some of the basic software tools of astronomy. It also introduces students to modern geometrical optics and techniques for the calculation of properties of image forming set-ups with basic applications in the realm of astronomy. They develop their knowledge of these tools through numerical calculations and applications of relevance to the astronomical context. It helps students understand tools used in understanding optical configurations of telescopes and instruments as well as be able to compute some of the limitations and particulars of various designs.

Temps présentiel : 30 heures

Charge de travail étudiant : 150 heures

Méthode(s) d'évaluation : Projets

Référence :
“Modern Geometrical Optics” by Richard Ditteon, John Wiley and Sons (1998). A complete textbook on the modern techniques and topics in geometrical optics. It goes from the basics to complex lens and optical system design. “Astrophysical Techniques” 4th or 5th Edition, by C R Kitchin, IoP (2003). Covers basically all of the observational techniques of astrophysics as well as detectors in the various frequency domains of astronomy. “Astronomical Optics” 2nd Edition, by Daniel J. Schroeder, Academic Press (2000). The title says it all. Calculations are based a lot on Fermat's principle. “Learn to Program Using Python” by Alan Gauld, Addison Wesley (2001). A book giving an introduction to programming with Python. “The Art and Science of Optical Design” by Robert Shannon, Cambridge University Press (1997). “Numerical Methods Using MatLab” 4th Edition or later, by John H. Mathews and Kurtis D. Fink, Pearson (2004) “Data Reduction and Error Analysis for the Physical Sciences” 2nd Edition, by Philip R. Bevington & D. Keith Robinson, Mc-Graw Hill (1992).