Radiative Processes in Astrophysics

Lecturer: Prof. Elena Rossi

Assistant professor at Leiden University. Ph.D. University of Cambridge, UK under the supervision of Prof. Martin Rees. Chandra Fellow at JILA, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado (2008). Postdoctoral position at Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching, Germany (2005). Fellowship at Racah Institute, Jerusalem, Cambridge European Society prize, Isaac Newton Studentship, University of Cambridge. Member of LOFT (Large Observatory for X-ray Timing; one of the four space missions concepts of the ESA Cosmic Vision programme that will compete for a launch opportunity at the start of the 2020s). Science definition team (γ-Ray Bursts and Tidal Disruption events working groups). Leiden representative at CAN (Committee of Astroparticle Physics in the Netherlands). Chair of the Leiden PhD admission Committee.

Summary

Our knowledge of the universe is mainly indirect, mediated by the light we receive on earth from the objects in the sky. Therefore, to understand how objects like planets, stars and galaxies work, we need a physical understanding of how their observed light is produced. The goal of this course is twofold. First, to comprehend how light interacts with matter and how matter can convert different kinds of energy into light. Second, to learn how to extract from observations physical information about the emitter, like its size, temperature and composition. After reviewing some basic concepts (e.g. intensity, radiative transfer equations), we will study thermal (e.g. Bremsstrahlung) and non-thermal (e.g. Synchrotron) continuum emission processes and then we will conclude with line emission. The course requires basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electromagnetism and special relativity, although some of the concepts will be reviewed.

Outline

Session 1 - Presentation - Monday 12 August, 2013

Session 2 - Monday 12 August, 2013

Session 3 - Tuesday 13 August, 2013

Session 4 - Thursday 15 August, 2013

Session 5 - Friday 16 August, 2013

Session 6 - Wednesday 21 August, 2013

Session 7 - Thursday 22 August, 2013

Session 7 - Friday 23 August, 2013

Videos