Space Instrumentation for High-Energy Astrophysics

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

Observations in high-energy astrophysics, the X-ray and gamma-ray bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, have to be performed in space above the Earth's atmosphere, except for studies of photons at very high gamma-ray energies above about 100 GeV. For the latter, the Earth's atmosphere can be used as 'target material'. This course will cover the physical principles of radiation detection, how these lead to different detection techniques and designs of instruments / telescopes sensitive to high-energy radiation in different energy windows, and what the requirements are for operations under the conditions in space. Several examples in operational or planned missions will be presented.sylk

The impact of the understanding of the instrument performance on the scientific results will be studied (as part of the student projects) or the optimisation of an instrument design for specific science requirements.

Study materials

Syllabus

• syllabus will be provided (including references to public information)

Other

• mission descriptions will be provided

Objectives

The students should obtain knowledge of the very diverse sensor technologies applied in high-energy astrophysics and how these are optimized for operation under the severe conditions in space, and combined with focusing and imaging concepts to enable front-line research in high-energy astrophysics;

Each student will also give a presentation on a mission that is operational, under construction or studied as a mission concept;

The students will perform a case study during the practical exercise and choose between two major topics:

• The optimisation of the design of a space mission in high-energy astrophysics. Starting from an proposed/existing design the students will learn how to make trade-off’s between different optimizations based on the scientific goals of the missions
• The impact of instrumental effects on the data analysis of existing missions. Using the standard responses, without sufficient knowledge about the instrumental limitations, may cause incorrect scientific claims.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Computer lab session/practical training

Lectures, seminar and computer lab session

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Students are expected to be present and the results of the seminar, practical testing and site visit will be realized during the course, a written exam will complete the course. In case of unforeseen circumstances a student may miss two sessions but should discuss this with the lecturer (to see how he/she can catch up)

Assessment

Assignments

individual

• presentation of an existing mission or instrument concept (these will be provided)

group of 2-3

• presentation of the practical work (optimisation of an instrument or the impact of instrument performance on the scientific analysis)

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

A visit to the SRON National Institute for Space Research in Utrecht will be planned.

Contact information

Coordinator

• Jan-Willem den Herder