640-351 Astrophysics & Optics III

Physics 640-237; (Prior to 1999: physics 640-247 or 640-227) mathematics 620-231 or 620-233; and mathematics 620-232 or 620-234.

This subject develops the study of astrophysics and optics and introduces powerful mathematical tools of more general applicability in engineering and the physical sciences. In astrophysics this subject will concentrate on emission processes, higher-energy astrophysics and cosmology, while the other section of the subject provides an introduction to Fourier optics and laser physics.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain emission processes in astrophysics and the application of cosmology to quasars, degenerate stars and black holes;

• calculate diffraction patterns using Fourier optics and interpret the results; and

• explain the fundamentals of laser physics.

In addition, students will enhance their ability to plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

Topics in astrophysics include radiation processes, degenerate stars, black holes, accretion processes and relativisitic cosmology. Subject content in optics includes the physical optics formalism for diffraction and imaging, Fourier transforms and convolution integrals to describe Fraunhofer diffraction and the physics of lasers and their applications.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; plus tests totalling up to two hours and/or projects and/or assignments totalling up to an equivalent of no more than 3000 words, set during the semester and which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

• E Hecht, Optics. 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley.
• B Carol and D Ostlie, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics. Addison-Wesley.