Terahertz Astronomy

1. Auflage 2020
ISBN: 978-1-138-89464-8
Verlag: CRC Press

Buch, Englisch, 352 Seiten, Format (B × H): 189 mm x 246 mm, Gewicht: 681 g

A Powerful Window into Cosmic Evolution

Terahertz (THz) observations of interstellar atoms, molecules, and dust serve as powerful probes of the conditions within the interstellar medium that permeates our galaxy, providing insights into the origins of stars, planets, galaxies, and the Universe. Taking a cross-disciplinary approach to the subject, Terahertz Astronomy explores THz astrophysics and the technologies that make this rapidly evolving field possible.

The first four chapters of the book discuss the origin and interpretation of THz light in astrophysical sources. The remaining five chapters present an overview of the technologies used to collect and detect THz light. Every chapter contains worked-out examples and exercises. The author explains each topic as intuitively as possible and includes the equations needed for real-life astrophysical applications.

In just a few years, the number of active THz researchers has substantially grown due to increased interest in terrestrial remote sensing at THz frequencies. This book provides researchers with both the background science and technology to interpret THz observations and design, build, and deploy THz astronomical instrumentation.

Zielgruppe

Astronomers and engineers working on astrophysics applications of terahertz technologies; graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and instructors in astrophysics, electrical engineering, and related fields.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Walker, Christopher K.

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Angewandte Physik Astrophysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein
• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Lasertechnologie, Holographie
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technische Optik, Lasertechnologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

The Interstellar Medium at Terahertz Frequencies. THz Radiative Transfer Basics and Line Radiation. THz Continuum Emission. Simple Radiative Transfer Model. THz Optical Systems. THz Coherent Detection Systems. Incoherent Detectors. THz Observing Techniques. THz Interferometry. Answers to Problems. Appendices.

Über Autor(innen)

Christopher K. Walker is a Professor of Astronomy and an Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. He has over 30 years of experience designing, building, and using state-of-the-art receiver systems for THz astronomy. He is the author of numerous papers on star formation and protostellar evolution, a topical editor for IEEE Transactions on TeraHertz Science and Technology, and the principal investigator of the long-duration balloon project "The Stratospheric THz Observatory (STO)" funded by NASA.