AST 2050H Observational Technique – Astrophysical Optics

This course is similar to the pre-1999 AST1580H Observational Techniques.

1. Basic Optics for Modern Professional Astrophysics

• Basic Principles and Terms
• Telescopes and Auxiliary Optics
• Spherical Surface, Mirrors, and Lenses
• Dispersing Elements (Prism, Grating, Grism)
• Fiber Optics
• Miscellaneous Basic Topics

2. Modern Detectors

3. Astronomical Instruments

• Imagery

• Spectrographs (including FBS, FTS, …)

4. Advanced Topics

• Adaptive Optics (including MCAO, LGS AO)

• Telescopes and Auxiliary Optics
• Spherical Surface, Mirrors, and Lenses
• Dispersing Elements (Prism, Grating, Grism)
• Fiber Optics
• Miscellaneous Basic Topics

2. Modern Detectors

3. Astronomical Instruments

• Imagery

• Spectrographs (including FBS, FTS, …)

4. Advanced Topics

• Adaptive Optics (including MCAO, LGS AO)

• Multi-Object Spectroscopy
• Integral-Field Spectroscopy Integral-Field Spectroscopy
• Polari meter

5. (Current and Future) Instruments on Large Telescopes

• Instruments on 8-10 m Telescope

(e.g., GMOS of Gemini; NIRES of Keck; KMOS of VLT ……)

• Proposed Instruments for TMT/GMT

(e.g., WFOS/IRIS/IRMS/NFIRAOS of TMT)

6. Projects and Presentation (in-class presentation and a written paper-style report)