Duration
40h Th, 12h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits
| Master MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, professional focus in aerospace engineering | 5 crédits | |||
| Master in space sciences, professional focus | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The first chapter will provide a refresher on the essential optics background required for the course. The following topics will be reviewed: paraxial optics, geometrical aberration theory, diffraction aberration theory, transfer functions, image quality and formation, transmittance, throughput, and vignetting.
In most space science projects, light (or electromagnetic radiation) is the primary carrier of information. This course will focus on the optical elements and detectors used in space instruments. We will explore the similarities and differences in optical design across different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (X-ray, EUV, UV, visible, IR, microwave, etc.).
A critical step before constructing an optical space instrument is developing its optical model. What are the key specification parameters for manufacturers? How do we translate optical designs into manufacturing requirements? We will also cover tolerance analysis and constraints imposed by space missions (such as spacecraft interfaces, thermo-mechanical challenges, etc.). Additionally, an overview of manufacturing techniques will be provided.
At the detector end, photons are converted into electrons. Scientists need to know how many photons they are observing to build models of their target. Each component of the instrument affects the transmission and conversion of photons. Therefore, a space instrument must be considered as an integrated system.
Many space optical instruments use reflective designs, with most coatings based on multilayer structures. These coatings can be optimized for specific spectral properties to fine-tune spectral sensitivity and enhance instrument throughput. We will cover the calculation, application, and production of high-quality coatings for space applications.
Straylight-unwanted light reaching the detector-reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We will describe the sources of straylight, how to minimize or eliminate it, and methods for its measurement and characterization.
Finally, many space instruments are currently in orbit, under construction, or in the design phase. This chapter will present a broad, though non-exhaustive, review of optical space instruments, covering as many concepts as possible.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The objective of this course is to provide engineering and physics students with a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging optical space instruments. The course will cover topics from optical design to instrument calibration and operational aspects, drawing on extensive experience in the field of space optics, including design, conception, and calibration.
Efforts will be made to integrate this course with other lectures, seminars, and vists (AMOS for instance). Practical sessions on optical engineering software is also considered.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Further information:
Hybrid teaching (as much as possible face-to-face)
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- Microsoft Teams
Further information:
The slides and reference material will be placed on Ecampus
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Professors: Jérôme Loicq (j.loicq@uliege.be) & Denis Grodent (D.Grodent@uliege.be)