OPTI/ASTR 416/516

Modern Astronomical Optics (3 Units). This course provides an overview of astronomical optical systems and techniques for the observation of exoplanets. It introduces astronomical and optical concepts related to exoplanets observations. By focusing on a particularly challenging observational problem of modern astronomy, the course will teach design and analysis of ultra high precision optical systems and measurement techniques, including spectroscopy, photometry, optical metrology and interferometry.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Olivier Guyon
Phone: 626-9692 / Email: guyon@noaj.org
Office: Steward Room N408A

Course Outline:

Introduction to Exoplanet Science

Spectroscopy: Radial Velocity
  • Fundamentals of radial velocity exoplanet measurements
  • Spectral calibration to m/s level and below
  • Spectrograph design for radial velocity measurement
Photometry: Transits and Microlensing
  • Introduction to exoplanet transits
  • What can we learn about exoplanets from transits?: from statistical information to characterization of individual systems
  • Transit spectroscopy
  • Transit timing variations
  • Effect of photon noise, scintillation (for ground-based systems)
  • Transit Photometry from space
  • Microlensing
Astrometry
  • Astrometric signatures of exoplanets
  • Astrometry with interferometers
  • Astrometry in imaging systems
Interferometric Techniques
  • Detecting dust around nearby stars with interferometers
  • Nulling on sparse apertures
  • Single aperture techniques
Direct Imaging: Coronagraphy
  • Introduction to Coronagraphic techniques
  • Exoplanet science with coronagraphic imaging
  • Coronagraphy principles
  • Coronagraph systems for ground and space
Wavefront Sensing and Control Techniques
  • Introduction to adaptive optics
  • Wavefront quality and stability requirements for high contrast imaging
  • High precision wavefront sensing techniques
  • Wavefront control systems for high contrast imaging : space and ground
Summary of Existing and Future Techniques

Team Projects
There will be 3 team projects (photometry, astrometry/interferometric nulling, direct imaging/wavefront control). For each team project, teams of 2-3 will design an optical system (full system, telescope or instrument for a telescope) to observe exoplanets. The result of this work will be presented to the class, and a short report will be compiled. The duration of a team project, from assignment to final report due date, is approximately 3 weeks.

Projects & Exams:
Team Participation: 20% (40% for undergrads)
Team Project Reports and Presentations: 30% (60% for undergrads)
Oral final exam 45 minutes: 50% (no oral exam for undergrads)

Grading Scale:
85-100%: A
75-85% : B
65:-75% : C
50-65% : D
<50% : E
Textbooks:
The following texbooks are suggested for reference, but not required:
• Astronomical Optics (Shroeder)
• Exoplanets (Seager)