This book describes the characteristics and applications of the Δa photometric system, which measures the stellar flux at around 520 nm. Since its introduction in 1976 by Hans-Michael Maitzen, the Δa system has not only been successfully applied to the classical chemically peculiar stars of the upper main sequence, but also to galactic and extragalactic star clusters. New possible applications for studying galaxies, quasars and other astrophysical objects of interest are discussed.
The material given in this 'Introduction to astronomical photometry' is the subject matter of a lecture at the University of Geneva. It is, therefore, intended for those students, physicists or mathematicians, who have completed their bachelor's degree or diploma, and are intending to work for their Ph.D. in astronomy. We assume then the elementary ideas of astrophysics, magnitude, colour index, spectral classes, luminosity classes, gradient, atmospheric extinction are already known. The student may find it useful to re-read the work of Schatzman [1], Dufay [2] and Aller [254] before embarking upon the study of this 'Introduction to astronomical photometry'. It is not our aim in this book to deal with every aspect of stellar photometry. On the contrary, we shall restriet ourselves to looking at subjects ofwhich knowledge seems to us essential for someone who has to use photometrie quantities in his astronomical research. We are, therefore, keeping the interests of the photometrie measurements user partieularly in mind. We shall only discuss very superficially the technical prob lems and reduction methods for atmospheric extinction. These problems are dealt with very clearly in Astronomical Techniques [3]; the first by A. Lallemand, H. L.
Applied Photometry, Radiometry, and Measurements of Optical Losses reviews and analyzes physical concepts of radiation transfer, providing quantitative foundation for the means of measurements of optical losses, which affect propagation and distribution of light waves in various media and in diverse optical systems and components. The comprehensive analysis of advanced methodologies for low-loss detection is outlined in comparison with the classic photometric and radiometric observations, having a broad range of techniques examined and summarized: from interferometric and calorimetric, resonator and polarization, phase-shift and ring-down decay, wavelength and frequency modulation to pulse separation and resonant, acousto-optic and emissive - subsequently compared to direct and balancing methods for studying free-space and polarization optics, fibers and waveguides. The material is focused on applying optical methods and procedures for evaluation of transparent, reflecting, scattering, absorbing, and aggregated objects, and for determination of power and energy parameters of radiation and color properties of light.
Small and large telescopes are being installed all around the world. Astronomers have thus acquired better access to more modern equipment; not in the least to photometers, which are very important tools for the contemporary observer. This development of higher quality and more sensitive equipment makes it very necessary to improve the accuracy of the measurements. This guide helps the astronomer and astronomy student to improve the quality of their photometric measurements and to extract a maximum of information from their observations. The book is based on the authors' observing experience, spending numerious nights behind various instruments at many different observatories.
The revised 2nd edition of this practical book provides an expanded treatment and comparison of techniques used in advanced optical measurements, guiding its reader from fundamental radiometric and photometric concepts to the state-of-the-art in highly sensitive measurements of optical losses and in spectroscopic detection using coherent laser light and spontaneous radiation. The book describes and compares a broad array of high-sensitivity methods and techniques – from interferometric and/or calorimetric, acousto-optic and resonator or polarization to wavelength- and frequency-modulation, phase-shift and decay time studies, and direct-loss measurements for free-space, fiber- or waveguide-based systems and devices. Updated throughout, the new edition describes novel trends in spectral interferometry, frequency-comb and laser-excitation spectroscopy, reflected in the developments of Raman, Brillouin and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) techniques for biomedical research, biotech sensing and detection. It also covers broad practical implementations of time- and frequency-domain terahertz spectroscopy measurements. This book reviews the physical concepts of radiation transfer, providing a quantitative foundation for the means of measurements of optical losses, which affect propagation and distribution of light waves in various media and in diverse optical systems and components. It focuses on the application of optical methods and procedures for the evaluation of transparent, reflecting, scattering, absorbing, and aggregated objects, and for determining the power and energy parameters of radiation and color properties of light. This updated new edition will serve as an up-to-date reference source and practical guide for those using photometric and radiometric techniques.