- Docente: Bruno Marano
- Credits: 7
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Astronomy (cod. 8004)
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
Geometrical optics: reflection, refractrion, dispersion.
Thin lenses. Mirrors. Image formation.
Optical aberrations: chromatic, spheric; astygmatism, coma, distortion.
Optical instruments: the eye, the telescope.
Telescopes: scale, field, luminosity. Newtonian, Cassegrain, Gregorian, Schmidt telescopes.
Wave optics, Huygens principle. Interference and diffraction.
Resolution of an optical system. PSF. Sampling.
Light polarization.
The electromagnetis spectrum. Atmosferic absorption and refraction. The "Seeing".
Modern X-ray, optical, radio- telescopes on earth and in space (short account).
Optical lab.: Lenses and mirrors. Slit and wedge diffraction. Michelson interferometer. Measure of the "solar constant".
Readings/Bibliography
Eugene Hecht - Optics - Addison Wesley
Teaching methods
Mostly conventional lectures on theory, integrated by solution of problems and simple experiments.
Further exercises are suggested to the students for personal training.
Optical lab: Assembly of optical systems on bench; related
measurements. Bolometric measurement of the "Solar constant".
Assessment methods
a) solution of problems in written form;
b) evaluation of the lab activity report
c) final oral exam.
As a rule, the written test consists of six short problems to be solved in two hours and a half. Use of texts is admitted.
Teaching tools
Blackboard, videoprojector. Optical laboratory.
Office hours
See the website of Bruno Marano