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, high-energy astrophysics and cosmology, while the other section of the subject provides an introduction to Fourier optics, imaging and nonlinear optics.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain the principles underlying emission processes in astrophysics, high energy astrophysics and cosmology;

• demonstrate an understanding of radiation processes, degenerate stars, black holes, accretion processes and relativistic cosmology and solve problems relevant to these topics;

• be able to apply the principles of Fourier, convolution and correlation to solving problems in diffraction and optical imaging; and

• demonstrate an appreciation of the role of coherence in optical physics as well as an understanding of pulsed laser systems and nonlinear optical processes.

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.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; 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 (up to 20%).

• E Hecht, Optics. 4th edn, Addison-Wesley.
• B Carol and D Ostlie, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics. Addison-Wesley.