Radiative Processes

Catalog description

Our ability to understand the cosmos depends strongly on the physical mechanism by which astronomical objects generate the “messengers,” primarily photons (light) and charged particles, we detect. Our ability to detect and measure the properties of these messengers in turn depends strongly on the physical processes by which they interact with the detectors. The physical processes by which messengers are generated and detected are strongly related to each other. This course covers the fundamental physical processes responsible for creating photons and charged particles in astrophysical sources, affecting their properties as they propagate through space, and govern their detection. During this course, students will learn the quantitative techniques needed to relate the observed radiative properties of an object to its physical properties and that of the intervening medium, the measured radiative properties of a source to its physical characteristics, as well as how to expertly and effectively communicate the connection between detector technology and scientific advancements.