10762 - Astronomical Optics

Learning outcomes

Provide the student with a basic knowledge of geometrical and wave optics, with specific application to astronomical instrumentation and observations. Provide the student with the capability of evaluating the performances of simple optical systems.

Course contents

Structure:

• 5 ECTS of lectures

• 2 ECTS of lab work

1. Lecture Modules

Module 1 – Geometrical Optics

• Nature of light and EM radiation

• Reflection, refraction, absorption, dispersion

• Atmospheric effects on observations

• Prisms, mirrors, thin lenses

• Human eye as an optical system

Module 2 – Wave Optics

• Polarization and Malus' law

• Huygens-Fresnel principle

• Interference (Young, Michelson)

• Diffraction (single/multiple slits, circular aperture)

• Diffraction grating, Fourier optics, spatial filtering

• Optical resolution, PSF, sampling

Module 3 – Astronomical Optics

• Atmospheric turbulence

• Optical aberrations

• Telescope designs and configurations

• Ground- and space-based telescopes (optical, X-ray, radio)

2. Laboratory Activities

Lab 1:

• Laser alignment and divergence

• Beam expander and spatial filtering

• Michelson interferometer and fringe analysis

Lab 2:

• Lens measurements (single and combined)

• Image formation and Fourier transform optics

Demonstrations:

• Polarization experiments

• Atmospheric turbulence visualization

• Fourier plane filtering

• Use of diffraction gratings and spectrographs

• Astronomical observation with the Loiano telescope (on-site or online)

 

Readings/Bibliography

All essential course and exam preparation materials are available on the university’s Virtuale platform.

Provided resources include:

• Lecture slides covering all theoretical content

• Jupyter notebooks with Python code examples, guided exercises, and practical applications (e.g., polarization, interference, diffraction)

• Detailed instructions for lab activities

Materials are organised by topic, aligned with the course modules, and updated regularly.

No mandatory textbooks are required, but for further reading, the following are recommended:

• Eugene Hecht – Optics (Addison-Wesley)

• Fisica – Elettromagnetismo e Ottica by Mencuccini & Silvestrini

• Fisica Vol. II by Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci (EdiSES, 2019)

• Fisica Vol. II by Paolo Mazzoldi (EdiSES, 2021)

Note for non-attending students: Access to the Virtuale platform is strongly recommended for updates and instructor communications.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, lab work, experimental demos, and a field visit.

1. Lectures (in person or online)
   Introduce core theoretical concepts, supported by practical examples and simulations.

2. Lab Activities (in person)
   Conducted in small groups to:

• Encourage peer collaboration

• Develop theoretical and practical problem-solving skills

• Apply lecture concepts in hands-on settings

Safety training required: Students must complete e-learning Modules 1 & 2 and attend Module 3 (in-person) on health and safety. Details are available on the course website.

1. Demonstrations (Demos)
   Instructor-led experiments involving students in observing, interpreting, and critically analyzing physical phenomena.

2. Field Trip: Loiano Observatory
   Includes:

• Daytime solar observation

• Nighttime use of the 1.5-meter Cassini Telescope for professional-level astronomical observations.

Assessment methods

The final grade is based on two components designed to assess theory, practical skills, and critical thinking:

1. Lab Report (Written, Group Work – Max +2 points)
Students submit a scientific report on lab activities, using a LaTeX template provided.
It evaluates:

• Understanding and application of theory

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Use of scientific language and reporting standards

Submission: At least one week before the oral exam via the Virtuale platform. Submission is mandatory to access the oral exam.

Grading:

• 2 points: Clear objectives, detailed methods, thorough data analysis, strong interpretation

• 1 point: Basic clarity and methodology, limited discussion

• 0 points: Lacks structure, data, or analysis

2. Oral Exam (Individual)
A 4-question interview (10 min/question) testing:

• Mastery of theoretical content (all 3 modules)

• Independent reasoning and application

• Logical argumentation and synthesis

Final Grade (out of 30):
Includes lab report score. Criteria:

• 18–19: Minimal knowledge, needs guidance, imprecise language

• 20–24: Basic understanding, limited analysis

• 25–29: Solid, independent analysis, proper terminology

• 30–30L: Excellent, deep understanding, strong logical connections

Lab attendance is mandatory; lecture attendance is strongly recommended. Students with valid reasons (e.g. work) may request flexible arrangements by contacting instructors in advance.

 Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will advise students of possible adjustments that will be submitted to the professor for approval 15 days in advance. He/she will evaluate their suitability also in relation to the academic objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The course uses slides, a whiteboard, Python notebooks for simulations and data analysis, laboratory activities at the optical bench, and an educational visit to the Loiano Observatory. All materials are available on the Virtual platform in an accessible format. Adaptations for students with disabilities are provided upon request.

Office hours

See the website of Carmela Lardo

See the website of

See the website of Bruno Marano