M.SC .Astrophysics
M.SC .Astrophysics
M. Sc.(Astrophysics)
2011-12 Onwards
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M.Sc. Programme in Astrophysics
Department of Physics will mentor the M.Sc. Programme in Astrophysics, which is to be introduced
from the academic year 2011-12.
Astronomy is one of the oldest fields of scientific enquiry. It is an observational science that studies
celestial objects (planets, stars, galaxies ...) that make up the Universe and phenomena that may hold
the key to understand their nature, as well as the origin and evolution of the Universe. Astrophysics
deals with the physics of the Universe and applies many disciplines of physics, including mechanics,
electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and
particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics.
Indian astronomers and physicists, in ancient as well as in recent times have made important
contributions to Astronomy and Astrophysics. Today, a number of institutions (IIA, IUCAA, ARIES,
TIFR, PRL, OU...) and facilities (ground-based optical/infrared telescopes at VBO, Hanle, Girawali,
Nainital, Mt. Abu; radio telescopes at Ooty, GMRT, Gauribidanur) for research in astronomy and
astrophysics exist in the country. Also, space-based facilities like ASTROSAT, ADITYA for work in
X-ray, Ultraviolet/Optical and High-Altitude facilities (HAGAR, MACE..) for work in the Gamma-
ray waveband are coming up. India is also planning to join the International Astronomy Community
in the development of a Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope (GSMT).
There is, however, an acute shortage of young students with adequate background in basic
astronomy/astrophysics who could take up research in astronomy/astrophysics and use these state-of-
the-art facilities. In most Indian universities, there are no teaching programmes at the MSc level fully
devoted to astronomy/astrophysics. The proposed M.Sc Programme in Astrophysics of the
Pondicherry University is intended to bridge this gap and help train bright, motivated, young
students to take up research careers in astrophysics
This M.Sc. programme is designed to impart sound understanding of basic physics, astrophysical
processes and the necessary background knowledge of present-day developments in astronomy
including practical training in instrumentation and observations at astronomical observatories in the
country. The Pondicherry University is planning to introduce M.Sc. Astrophysics from this academic
year, 2011-2012.
In addition to main papers covering the core areas in Physics, the programme is planned to cover
advanced courses in Astrophysics including the following by experts in the relevant fields.
Stellar Structure
Stellar Evolution
The students who pass out of this course will have good job and research opportunities.
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Details of the programme
Programme Duration:
Eligibility criteria:
Admission criteria:
Pondicherry University – All India Entrance Examination: The questions will have emphasize in
undergraduate level Physics
Intake: 10 students
Lectures, tutorials and seminars form the main methods of course delivery enhanced by individual and
group project work, laboratory work, computing workshops and industrial/Institution visits. Some of
the specialized courses will be conducted in coordination with the Faculty of Indian Institute of
Astrophysics, Bangalore/ IUCAA, Pune in Pondicherry or Bangalore/Pune.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment will be as per Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) which includes continuous
assessment and end semester examinations.
*Depending on Students choice & faculty availability all three or two Groups (A/B/C) will be offered
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PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY
2 year M. Sc (Astrophysics) Programme
CONTENTS
Semester – I
S. No Code Course Name Type Credits Page
1 APHYS-110 Physics Laboratory 2
2 APHYS-111 Mathematical Methods in Physics HC 4
3 APHYS-112 Classical Mechanics HC 4
4 APHYS-113 Quantum Mechanics - I HC 4
5 APHYS-114 Electronics HC 4
6 APHYS-115 Numerical and Transform Techniques SC 3
7. APHYS-116 Programming in C and C++ SC 3
Semester – II
S. No Code Course Name Type Credits Page
1 APHYS-120 Electronics Laboratory 2
2 APHYS-121 Statistical Physics HC 4
3 APHYS-122 Electrodynamics HC 4
4 APHYS-123 Quantum Mechanics II HC 4
5 APHYS-124 Nuclear and Particle Physics HC 4
6 APHYS-125 Microprocessors and Applications SC 3
Semester – III
S. No Code Course Name Type Credits Page
1 APHYS-230 Optics Laboratory 3
2 APHYS-231 Fundamentals of Astrophysics HC 4
3 APHYS-232 Radiative Process HC 4
4 APHYS-233 Stellar Physics HC 4
5 APHYS-234 Fluids and Plasmas HC 4
6 APHYS-235 Astronomical Techniques HC 4
Semester – IV
S. No Code Course Name Type Credits Page
1 APHYS-240 Project work HC 4
2 APHYS-241 Gen. Relativity and Cosmology SC 3
3 APHYS-242 Physics of Compact Objects SC 3
4 APHYS-243 Diffuse Matters in Space SC 3
5 APHYS-244 Stellar Atmospheres SC 3
6 APHYS-245 Galactic Structure SC 3
7 APHYS-246 Sun and Solar System SC 3
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APHYS-111: MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS (4 credits)
Textbooks
1. G. Arfken 2000. Mathematical Methods for Physicists (5th Edition) Academic Press.
2. Erwin Kreyszig (2005). Advanced Engineering Mathematics. 9th Edition. John Wiley.
3. R.K. Jain, S.R.K. Iyengar (2007). Advanced Engineering Mathematics. 3rd Edition. Narosa.
Supplementary Reading
1. K. F. Riley, M. P. Hobson and S. J. Bence, Mathematical Methods for physics and engineering
(Cambridge Univ. Press, 1998)
2. M. P. Boas (2005). Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3rd Edition) Wiley.
3. Potter M C and Goldberg J (1988). Mathematical Methods. Prentice Hall.
4. Sokolnikoff I S and Redheffer R M. Mathematics of Physics and Modern Engineering. McGraw Hill.
5. Spiegel M R. Theory and Problems of Complex Variable. Schaum’s Series. McGraw Hill.
6. Spiegel M R. Theory and Problems of Fourier analysis. Schaum’s Series. McGraw Hill.
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APHYS- 112: CLASSICAL MECHANICS (4 credits)
Unit I: 15 hours
Mechanics of a system of particles – conservation laws of linear and angular momenta for systems not subjected
to external forces and torques – constraints – principle of virtual work – Lagrangian equations of motion and a
few applications – motion in a central field – Kepler’s problem – scattering – laboratory and CM frame –
differential scattering cross section – scattering by a central field.
Text Book
1. H. Goldstein. Classical Mechanics. Narosa.
Supplementary Reading
T. G. Takwale and P. S. Purnaik. Introduction to classical mechanics. Tata McGraw Hill.
D. T. Greenwood. Classical dynamics. Prentice Hall.
A. K. Raychaudri. Classical mechanics. Oxford University Press.
Synge and Griffith. Principles of mechanics. McGraw Hill.
K. G. Gupta. Classical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies. Wiley Eastern.
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APHYS-113: QUANTUM MECHANICS -I (4 credits)
Textbooks
1. Ghatak and Loganathan. Quantum mechanics. MacMillan.
Supplementary Reading
1. L. I. Schiff. Quantum mechanics. McGraw Hill.
2. Dicks and Whike. Introduction to quantum mechanics.
3. J. L. Powell and B. Craseman. Quantum mechanics. Addison-Wesley.
4. V. K. Thankappan. Quantum mechanics. Wiley Eastern.
5. G. Baym. Quantum mechanics.
6. R. P. Feynman. Feynman lectures on physics. Vol. III. Narosa.
7. H. A. Bethe and R. Jakiw. Intermediate quantum mechanics.
8. Benjamin and Cummings. Quantum mechanics. Merc Backe.
9. A. Messiah. Quantum mechanics. Vol. I and II. Addison Wesley.
10. Davydov. Quantum mechanics. Pergamon press.
11. P. A. M. Dirac. The principles of quantum mechanics.
12. P. Roman. Advanced quantum theory.
13. J. J. Sakuri. Advanced quantum mechanics.
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APHYS-114: ELECTRONICS (4 credits)
Unit I 12 hours
Non-linear resistive devices – NTC, PTC, VDR – Structure, working and applications – Diodes – (Rectifier and
Zener) – Tunnel diode – V-I Characteristics. Transistors – (BJT, FET, UJT, MOSFET) – Structure and working,
small signal models and equations for V-I characteristics under different conditions, frequency limits and
applications.
Unit II 12 hours
Microwave devices and components: IMPATT, GUNN – Klystron, Magnetron – Structure and working,
Transmitting and receiving antenna, wave guides, traps, connectors and couplers, filters and matching circuits.
Opto-electronics devices: Radiative and nonradiative transistors, absorption. Bulk and thin film devices – LDR,
Photodiode, Solar cell, LED, diode Lasers – Structure, working and factors affecting performance.
Unit IV 12 hours
Digital circuits: Combinational logic circuits using standard TTL and CMOS LSI chips- gates, latches,
multiplexer/demultiplexer, decoder and encoders, Half and full adder, ALU. Sequential logic circuits – Counters
– synchronous, asynchronous, binary and decade, divide by N counters, Shift registers – Serial to parallel and
vice-versa.
Unit V 12 hours
Microprocessor: 8-bit microprocessor – 8085 Architecture, organization, buses, addressing modes, instruction
set, instruction types, Timing and sequencing, Instruction and machine cycle, Timing diagrams – Assembly
language programming – simple programs for arithmetic and logical operations, Interrupts – handling interrupts,
Interfacing microprocessors – peripheral devices PPI(8255), USART(8251), PIC(8279), DMA(8257) – data
transfer modes.
Textbooks
Unit I & III – Integrated Electronics by Millman & Halkias
Unit II (first part) – Physics of Semiconductor devices by Simon M.Sze.
Unit II (for microwave topics) – Electronic and Radio Engineering by Terman
Unit IV – Digital Principles by Malvino & Leach
Unit V – Microprocessor Architecture and Programming 8085 by Ramesh S. Gaonker.
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APHYS – 115: NUMERICAL AND TRANSFORM TECHNIQUES (3 credits)
UNIT – I: 10 hours
Representing numbers in a computer – Machine precision – Introduction to numerical errors – Errors in
mathematical approximations – Error propagation – Introduction to MATLAB – Workspace – Creating arrays –
Matrix operators – Generating vectors – Accessing sub-matrices – Control flow statements – Infinite loops –
Introduction to M-files – Graphics in MATLAB – Creating 2D graphs – Creating parametric function plots –
Introduction to Mesh and Surface plots – Introduction to toolboxes.
UNIT – IV 12 hours
Evolution of Fortran language – Different Fortran compilers – Skeleton of a general Fortran 90 program – Free
source format and character set – Specifications – Derived types – Control Structure – CASE construct – New
features of DO loop: EXIT, CYCLE statements, Control clauses – Concept of internal, and external procedures,
modules and INTERFACE blocks – Concept of scope – CONTAINS statement – Procedure Arguments –
Optional arguments – Keyword arguments – Recursive procedures – Modules – Array Processing –
Terminology and Specifications – Whole array operations – Vector subscripts – Array assignment – Array
constructor – Allocatable dynamic array – Pointers and Dynamic Data Structures – Concept of pointers –
Example programs.
Supplementary Reading
1. J.M. Thijssen (1999). Computational Physics. Cambridge University Press.
2. Tao Pang (1997). An Introduction to computational physics. Cambridge University Press.
3. Rubin H. Landau (1997). Computational Physics: Problem solving with computers. John Wiley.
4. James B. Scarborough. Numerical mathematical analysis. Oxford IBH.
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5. W. S. Brainerd, C. H. Goldberg and J. C. Adams (1995). Programmer's Guide to Fortran 90. Springer.
6. Michael Metcalf and John K. Reid (1999). Fortran 90/95 Explained. Oxford University Press.
7. Michael Metcalf, John Reid and Malcolm Cohen (2004). Fortran 95 / 2003 Explained (Numerical
Mathematics and Scientific Computation). Oxford University Press.
8. Bjarne Stroustrup (2000). The C++ Programming Language (3rd Edition).
9. K. F. Riley, M. P. Hobson and S. J. Bence, Mathematical Methods for physics and engineering
(Cambridge Univ. Press, 1998)
10. M. P. Boas (2005). Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3rd Edition) Wiley.
11. Potter M C and Goldberg J (1988). Mathematical Methods. Prentice Hall.Sokolnikoff I S and
Redheffer R M. Mathematics of Physics and Modern Engineering. McGraw Hill.
12. Spiegel M R. Theory and Problems of Complex Variable. Schaum’s Series. McGraw Hill.
13. Spiegel M R. Theory and Problems of Fourier analysis. Schaum’s Series. McGraw Hill.
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APHYS – 116: Programming in C and C++ (3 credits)
Algorithms and flowchart; Structure of a high level language program; Features of C language;
constants and variables; expressions; Input and output statements; conditional statements and loop
statements; arrays; functions; character strings; structures; pointer data type; list and trees.
Textbooks
1. Jerry Peek, Grace Todino-Gonguet, John Strang (2002). Learning the UNIX Operating System,
5th Edition. O'Reilly Media, Inc.
2. F. Mittelbach, M. Goossens, J. Braams, D. Carlisle, C. Rowley (2004). LaTeX Companion
(2nd Edition). Addison-Wesley.
3. Stephen Chapman (2003). Fortran 90 / 95 for Scientists and Engineers (2nd Edition) McGraw Hill.
4. Harvey M. Deitel and Paul J. Deitel (2007). C++ How to Program (6th Edition). Prentice Hall.
Supplementary Reading
1. W. S. Brainerd, C. H. Goldberg and J. C. Adams (1995). Programmer's Guide to Fortran 90. Springer.
2. Michael Metcalf and John K. Reid (1999). Fortran 90/95 Explained. Oxford University Press.
3. Michael Metcalf, John Reid and Malcolm Cohen (2004). Fortran 95 / 2003 Explained (Numerical
Mathematics and Scientific Computation). Oxford University Press.
4. Bjarne Stroustrup (2000). The C++ Programming Language (3rd Edition).
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APHYS-110 Laboratory [3 credits]
General Experiments
1. Faraday effect using white light.
2. Determination of Lande's g factor of electron by ESR.
3. Study of Geiger-Muller counter.
4. Thermal diffusivity of brass.
5. Determination of polarization and dipole moment of a liquid.
6. Fourier analysis of a square wave.
7. Study of superconductivity.
8. Microwaves bench using klystron tube.
9. Determination of absorption coefficient of aluminum using GM counter.
10. Measurement of Earth's Magnetic Field using Hall effects probe.
11. Study of black body radiation and verification of Wien's law using prism based spectrometer.
12. Determination of wavelengths of H and He spectra using grating based spectrometer.
13. Measurement of universal gravitational constant using torsional balance.
14. Determination of charge of an electron using Milkon's oil drop method.
15. Verification of Coulomb's law.
16. Verification of Faraday's law of induction and Lenz's law using variable gap magnet and induction coil.
17. Determination of speed of light in air by Focult's rotating mirror.
18. Measurement of charge to mass ratio (e/m) of an electron using Helmholtz coil.
19. Hall Effect
20. Band gap measurements with four probe method
Electronics Experiments
1. Integrator and differentiator using operational amplifier.
2. Wein bridge oscillator using operational amplifier.
3. Study of comparator using operational amplifier.
4. Study of multivibrators using operational amplifier.
5. Logic gates and Boolean algebra.
6. Half and full adder using logic circuits.
7. Decoders using logic circuits.
8. Study of flip flops.
Text Books
1. D. P. Khandelwal. A laboratory manual for undergraduate course. Vani Publishing.
2. V. Y. Rajopadhye and V. L. Purohit. Text book of experimental physics.
3. H. Singh. B.Sc practical physics. S. Chand & Co.
4. T. C. Hayes and P. Horowitz. Students manual for the art of electronics. Cambridge University Press.
5. Sanish Kumar Gosh. A text book of practical physics. New Central Books.
6. J. P. Holman. Experimental methods for engineers. Tata McGraw Hill.
7. L. K. Maheswari. Laboratory manual for introductory electronics experiments. New Age International.
8. Srinivasan and Balakrishnan. A text book of practical physics. Vols. I, II. S. Viswanathan Publishers.
9. D. Chatopadhyay and P. C. Ratshit. An advanced course in practical physics. New Central Books.
10. B. Ghosh. Advanced practical physics. Vols. I, II. Sreedhar Publishers.
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APHYS- 121 – STATISTICAL PHYSICS (4 credits)
Text Book
1. F. Reif. Introduction to statistical and thermal physics. McGraw Hill.
2. K. Huang. Statistical Physics. John Wiley.
Supplementary Reading
F. Reif. Statistical Physics (Berkeley series in Physics). McGraw Hill.
A.N. Matveev. Molecular Physics. Mir Publishers.
E. S. R. Gopal. Statistical Mechanics & Properties of Matter. MacMillan.
Agarwal & Grisner. Statistical Mechanics. Wiley Eastern.
F. Mandl. Statistical Physics. ELBS.
D. Chandler. Introduction to Statistical Physics (and solution manual). Oxford University Press.
R.P. Feynman. Lectures on statistical physics. Narosa.
R. Kubo. Statistical physics. Springer.
Landau and Lifshitz. Statistical Physics. Pergamon Press.
R. C. Tolman. Principles of statistical mechanics. Oxford University Press.
I. Prigogine. Order out of chaos. Fontana paperback.
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APHYS – 122: ELECTRODYNAMICS (4 credits)
Textbook
1. David J Griffiths (1999). Introduction to electrodynamics. 3rd edition. Prentice Hall.
Supplementary Reading
1. John David Jackson (1999). Classical Electrodynamics. 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons.
2. Matthew N. O. Sadiku (2002). Elements of Electromagnetics. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press.
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APHYS-123: ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS (4 credits)
Time dependent Schrodinger equation. Perturbations and transition probabilities. Hamiltonian for pure radiation.
Interaction of matter and radiation. Einstein co-efficients and oscillator strengths.
Textbooks
H. E. White. Introduction to Atomic Spectra. McGraw Hill.
B. P. Straughan and S. Walker. Spectroscopy Vol. I, II, III.
D. A. Long. Raman Spectroscopy.
T. M. Sugdan and C. N. Kennay. Microwave Spectroscopy of Gases.
Tores and Schawlow. Microwave Spectroscopy. McGraw Hill.
Schnoider and Berstin. High Resolution NMR. McGraw Hill.
Assenheim. Introduction to ESR. Plenum Press.
T. P. Das and E.E. Hahn. Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy. Academic Press.
Goldanskil. Mossbauer effect and its application to Chemistry. Von Nestrand.
15
APHYS 124 NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS (4 credits)
Text books
1. B.L. Cohen, Concepts of nuclear physics (Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 1989)
2. J.M. Reid, The atomic Nucleus (Manchester University Press, 1984)
3. K. Heyde, Basic ideas and concepts in nuclear physics : an introductory approach,
2nd ed. (Institute of Physics, Bristol, 1999).
4. A. Das and T. Ferbel, Introduction to nuclear and particle physics (John Wiley, New York, 1994).
5. B.R. Martin, Nuclear and particle physics, 2nd ed. (Wiley, New Delhi, 2009).
6. G.D. Coughlan, J. E. Dodd, and B. M. Gripaios, The Ideas of Particle Physics: An Introduction for Scientists,
3rd ed. (Cambridge Univ. Press., 2006).
7. A. Bettini, Introduction to elementary particle physics (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2008).
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APHYS-125 MICROPROCESSORS AND APPLICATIONS (3 credits)
Textbooks
1. Ramesh S. Goanker. Microprocessor architecture, programming and applications with 8085/8085A.
Wiley Eastern.
2. D. V. Hall. Microprocessors and interfacing. McGraw Hill.
3. L. A. Leventhal. Assembly language programming. Prentice Hall.
4. Kenneth L. Sherl. Microprocessors and programmed logic. Prentice Hall.
5. G. V. Rao. Microprocessors and microcomputer system.
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APHYS- 230: ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (2 CREDITS)
Electronics Experiments:
1. First order active filters using operational amplifier.
2. Second order active filters using operational amplifier.
3. Counters and registers using logic circuits.
4. Decade counting unit.
5. Study of 8-bit microprocessor.
6. Study of 16 bit microprocessor.
7. Study of 8051 microcontroller.
8. Study of lockin amplifier.
9. Amplitude modulation.
10. Detection of AM signals.
11. Study and detection of Frequency modulation.
12. Pulse modulation.
13. Study of multiplexing and demultiplexing.
14. Digital multiplexer.
15. LabVIEW and Virtual instrumentation laboratory.
LASER Experiments:
Numerical aperture of optical fiber and propagation of light through optical fiber.
Intensity profile of laser through optical fiber and determination of refractive index profile.
Refractive index by Brewster angle setup.
Study of Faraday effect using He-Ne laser with AC modulator.
Study of electrooptic effect (Pockel effect) with AC modulator.
Study of Kerr effect.
Study of acoustooptic effects.
Study of fundamental, 2nd , 3rd harmonic generation using Q switched pulses using Nd:YAG laser.
Study of laser bean characteristics (beam divergence, spot size, intensity profile) using He-Ne laser.
Digital holography.
Fiber optics experiments.
Determination of wavelength of He-Ne laser with Michelson interferometer
Determination of wavelength of He-Ne laser with Fabry-Peort interferometer
Determination of the refractive index of the air and glass slab.
To verify the Malus law for light polarization
To determine the light intensity vs distance relationship for the point source of light
Single slit and double slit diffraction experiment
Zeeman Effect
Text Books
1. T. C. Hayes and P. Horowitz. Students manual for the art of electronics. Cambridge University Press.
2. R. S. Sirohi. A course of experiments with He-Ne lasers. Wiley Eastern.
3. J. P. Holman. Experimental methods for engineers. Tata McGraw Hill.
4. L. K. Maheswari. Laboratory manual for introductory electronics experiments. New Age International.
5. D. Chatopadhyay and P. C. Ratshit. An advanced course in practical physics. New Central Books.
6. B. Ghosh. Advanced practical physics. Vols. I, II. Sreedhar Publishers.
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APHYS 231- FUNDAMENTALS OF ASTROPHYSICS (3 credits)
9 hours
Unit 1: Introductory astronomy: History of Astronomy; Overview of the major constituents of the universe;
Solar System, Planets - laws of motion of planets, inner planets, outer planets; Extrasolar planets- Methods of
detection of extrasolar planets; Black body radiation-specific intensity, luminosity; Basics of radiative transfer-
emission coefficient, absorption coefficient, source function
9 hours
Unit 2: Stellar Astronomy: Stars-general Distances to stars - trignometric parallax; Stellar brightness -
luminosity, flux, apparent magnitude, magnitude system, distance modulus, colour index, extinction, colour
temperature, effective temperature, Stellar masses and radii – measuring masses, binary stars - visual binary,
eclipsing binary, spectroscopic binary; Measuring stellar radii; Stellar spectra – colours of stars, Motion of
stars-radial velocity, proper motion, spectral classification of stars,luminosity classification of stars, HR
diagram, Stellar population- Population I and II, Star clusters-open clusters, globular clusters, Variable stars;
Energy generation in stars: PP chain
9 hours
Unit 3: Galactic astronomy: Milky way; Hubble classification of galaxies-Spiral galaxies, Elliptical galaxies,
Irregular galaxies, Dwarf galaxies; Masses of galaxies-Rotation curves of galaxies; Dark matter
9 hours
Unit 4: Extragalactic Astronomy: Groups and clusters of galaxies, Interacting galaxies; Active galaxies-
Seyfert galaxies, radio galaxies, FRI and FRII sources, Quasars- accretion, accretion efficiency, superluminal
motion, Eddington luminosity; radiation mechanisms in active galaxies; gravitational lensing
9 hours
Unit 5: Cosmology: Distances- direct distances-trignometric parallax; indirect distances-standard candles,main
sequence fitting, cepheids variables, RR Lyrae variables, Supernovae, gravitational lensing; Expansion of the
universe-Hubble's law, redshift; Newtonian Cosmology; microwave background, early universe
References:
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APHYS 232 RADIATIVE PROCESSES (3 credits)
9 hours
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Radiative Transfer: The electromagnetic spectrum, Radiative flux, Specific
intensity. Principles of radiative transfer, Radiation field, Equation of transfer, Formal solution, Emission and
absorption of radiation, Einstein coefficients, Maser emission, Thermodynamic equilibrium, Blackbody
radiation, Kirchhoff's law, Scattering effects and radiative diffusion.
9 hours
Unit 2: Basic Theory of Radiation Fields: Maxwell's Equations, Plane electromagnetic waves, The radiation
spectrum, Polarization and Stokes Parameters, Electromagnetic potentials. Radiation from Moving Charges:
Retarded Potentials of single moving charges: The Lionard-Wiechart Potentials, The velocity and radiation
Fields, Radiation from non-relativistic systems of particles, Thomson scattering (Electron Scattering).
9 hours
9 hours
Unit 4: Compton Scattering: Fundamental processes, Inverse-Compton spectra, The Compton Y parameter,
The Kompaneets equation, Repeated scattering. Bremsstrahlung: Emission from Single-Speed Electrons,
Thermal Bremsstrahlung Emission, Thermal Bremsstrahlung (Free-Free) Absorption, Relativistic
Bremsstrahlung.
9 hours
Unit 5: Plasma Effects: Model of a cold electron plasma. The plasma frequency. Phase and group velocity,
Index of Refraction. Wave propagation in a magnetized plasma. Faraday rotation and depolarization. Plasma
effects in high-energy emission processes: Cerenkov radiation and the Razin effect.
References:
1. Rybicki, G.B., & Lightman, A.P., Radiative Processes in Astrophysics,
John Wiley, 1985.
2. Chandrasekhar S., Radiative Transfer, Dover Pub., New York, 1960
3. Jackson, J. D., Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley, New York, 1975
4. Krishan, V., Astrophysical Plasmas and Fluids, Kluwer Academic Pub., 1999
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APHYS 233- STELLAR PHYSICS (3 credits)
9 hours
Unit 1: Introduction to stars: HR diagram, a discussion on the variety of stellar phenomena.
9 hours
Unit 2: Stellar Structure: The equations of stellar structure; stellar opacities; Lane-Emden equation and stellar
polytropes.
9 hours
Unit 3: Energy Generation in Stars: Calculation of thermonuclear reaction rates for resonant, non-resonant and
beta-decay reactions; the various reaction chains: pp-I, II, III and CNO cycle; He-burning, C-burning, Si-
burning, photo-dissociation. Neutrino emission from stars: The solar neutrino "problem" and its solution,
neutrinos from supernovae; terrestrial detection of stellar neutrinos
9 hours
Unit 4: Stellar degeneracy and Equations of State (EoS): Stellar degeneracy; Chandrasekhar mass, EoS of
matter at near-nuclear and nuclear densities
9 hours
Unit 5: Final stages of stellar evolution: Supernovae (a basic understanding of the core-collapse process and the
structure of the progenitor); Neutron stars (NS) - a basic knowledge of NS structure; an overview of the
problems associated with determining a unique equation of state for NS; various manifestations of NS.
References:
1. Supernovae & Nucleosynthesis -- Arnett.
2. Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics, Vol. 3 : Stellar structure and evolution -- Erika Bohm-Vitense.
3. Black Holes, White Dwarfs & Neutron stars -- Shapiro & Teukolsky.
4. Stellar Structure & Evolution -- R. Kippenhahn & A. Weigert.
5. Principles of Stellar Evolution -- D. Clayton.
6. Neutrino Astrophysics -- J. Bahcall
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APHYS 234 FLUIDS AND PLASMAS (3 credits)
Unit 1: Fluids and plasmas, the universal states of matter- an overview 9 hours
Collective and quasi-neutral, electrostatic potential in a plasma, Debye screening, Coulomb collisions, Electric
resistivity, Optical properties of a plasma, Coherent radiation, Strongly coupled plasma, Dusty Plasma,
Techniques for studying plasmas, Waves and instabilities in plasmas, Plasmas in curved space-time, Neutral
fluids, Statistical description of a system of large number of particles: Phase space, Gibb’s ensemble, Liouville
equation, Distribution functions, Correlation functions , One particle distribution function, BBGKY hierarchy,
Collisionless Boltzmann equation, Self consistent force, Vlasov equation, The Boltzmann collision model, the
Krook collision model , The Fokker-Planck collision model, application to stellar systems, The Kinetic and the
fluid descriptions, fluid velocity, stress tensor, pressure, shear stresses, Mass, momentum and energy
conservation laws, Plasmas as electromagnetic fluids, Maxwell equations ,Two-fluid description of a plasma,
Magnetohydrodynamics- the single fluid description of a plasma, Mass, momentum and energy conservation
laws,
Why study single particle motion, motion in a uniform magnetic field, in a uniform electric and magnetic fields,
in magnetic and gravitational fields, Drift orbit theory, Particle drifts in inhomogeneous magnetic field, grad B
parallel B drifts, Van Allen radiation belts, slowly varying fields, Adiabatic invariants , magnetic moment,
Magnetic mirror, longitudinal adiabatic invariant, motion in nonuniform electric field, in spatially periodic
electric field, motion in time varying electric and magnetic fields, motion of a star in a galaxy, fluid drifts
Electrically conducting fluids, validity of MHD, equations of MHD, ideal fluids, viscous and resistive fluids,
Equilibrium of fluids, hydrostatic equilibrium, MHD equilibrium, MHD waves, dispersion and polarization
characteristics, gravitohydrodynamic waves, MHD instabilities, The Rayleigh Taylor Instabilities, The Kelvin-
Helmholtz instability, Virial theorem
Electron and proton plasmas, static equilibrium, radiating and accreting fluids, dynamic equilibrium, waves in
two fluids, electron plasma oscillations, ion-plasma oscillations, electron plasma waves in magnetized fluids,
ion-plasma waves in magnetized fluids, electromagnetic waves in electron-proton fluids, electromagnetic waves
in magnetized plasma fluids, Ambipolar diffusion, Kinetic equilibrium of a plasma, Kinetic description of
waves and instabilities
Whence such fluids, equilibrium of fluids, waves in fluids, instabilities, shocks, turbulence, turbulent flows,
quantification of turbulence, flow invariants, Spectral representation, The Kolmogorov-Oboukov law, 2D
turbulence, Through Navier- Stokes equations, MHD turbulence and Dynamo
References:
3. Vinod Krishan, Astrophysical Plasmas and Fluids, Kluwer Academic Press, 1999
22
APHYS 235 ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES (3 credits)
9 hours
Unit I: Celestial Sphere: Coordinate systems (horizon, equatorial, ecliptic, galactic), precession, nutation,
aberration, parallax, radial velocity, proper motion, time (JD, LST, UT, hour angle), heliocentric corrections.
9 hours
Unit II: Detectors: Photodetection (photoelectric effect, photosensitive element), Photomultiplier tube,
Detectors at different wavelengths and their properties (CCD, CMOS, ICCD, L3CCD, Photon-counting system),
spectral response, noise, background, signal to noise ratio, sensitivity, quantum efficiency.
9 hours
Unit III: Astronomical Techniques : Different telescope designs (Refracting and Reflecting telscopes, viz.,
Newtonian, Cassegrain, coude, Nasmyth, Schmidt), Astrometry (transit circle, observations, analysing
astrometric data), photometry (magnitudes, filter systems, photometers, stellar parameters, extinction), Imaging
(surface photometry, extended sources), spectroscopy (prisms, gratings, spectrographs, low and high resolution
spectroscopy), calibration, polarimetry (polarisers, converters, depolarisers, polarimeters, Stokes parameters,
interpretation of polarimetric output).
9 hours
Unit IV: High Resolution Techniques: atmospheric effects on optical imaging, speckle interferometry, aperture
synthesis with single telescope, image reconstruction techniques, adaptive optics (Wavefront sensing, wavefront
correction, wavefront reconstructions, brief introductions on Fizeau, Michelson stellar interferometry and
intensity interferometry, long baseline optical interferometry.
9 hours
Unit V: Detection at other bands: Radio telescope, Brightness and antenna temperatures, Sensitivity, Brightness
distribution, Radio interferometer, Fringe visibility, Very long baseline interferometry, neutrino astronomy,
gravitational wave astronomy.
References:
Smart, W.M., Spherical Astronomy, 6th ed., Cambridge University Press, 1977.
Christiansen, W.N., & Hogbohm, J.A.: Radio Telescopes
Roy, A.E., & Clarke, D.: Astronomy Principles and Practice.
Kitchin, C.R.: Astrophysical Techniques.
Saha S. K. : Diffraction-limited Imaging with Large and Moderate Telescopes.
Saha S. K. : Aperture Synthesis: Methods and Applications to Optical Astronomy.
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APHYS 240 RESEARCH PROJECT (4 credits)
1. Verification of the Lorentz formula for force between a current and magnetic field.
2. Determination of the earth's magnetic field from the study of the null point for a bar magnet.
Confirmation with a magnetometer.
3. e/m ratio by Thomson's method
4. Wavelength measurement of Na source using Michelson Interferometer
5. Study of Fabry Perot interferometer , for accurate measurement of tiny displacements.
6. Zeeman effect study using Lummer Goehrcke plate. Measurement of eh/mc.
7. Determination of h by Einstein's photoelectric effect formula, using visible and UV light.
8. Coherence and width of spectral lines using Michelson Interferometer.
9. To study magneto-optic rotation.
10. Measurement of the Stefan Constant
11. Black Body curve (limited by the high temperature that can be reached)
12. Maxwell's velocity distribution, using rotating sectors
13. Maxwell's velocity distribution, from the study of spectral lines at difference temperatures
(gases in rarefied atmospheres) and deviations as pressure broadening takes over.
14. Brownian motion and verification of the Einstein-Smoluchowski formula
15. Study of Hall parameter of these substances and compare with carrier concentration.
16. Magneto-resistance studies.
17. Vibration of a suspended simple pendulum, coupled non-linear pendulum.
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APHYS 241 GENERAL RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY (3 credits)
Idea of Euclidean and non-Euclidean space, meaning of parallel transport and covariant
derivatives, Geodesics and autoparallel curves, Curvature tensor and its properties, Bianchi
Identities, vanishing of Riemann-Christoffel tensor as the necessary and sufficient condition of flatness, Ricci
tensor, Einstein tensor
Schwarzschild’s exterior solution, singularity, event horizon and black holes, isotropic coordinates,
Birkhoff’s theorem, Observational tests of Einstein’s theory.
Introduction: Qualitative discussions on: White Dwarfs, Neutron stars and Black Holes, Static Black Holes
(Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordstrom). Rotating Black Holes, Kerr Metric (derivation not required),
Event Horizon, Extraction of energy by Penrose process, Kerr-Neumann Metric (no derivation). No
hair theorem, Cosmic Censorship Hypothesis.
Introduction, Cosmological Principles, Weyl postulates, Robertson-Walker metric (derivation is not required),
Cosmological parameters, Static Universe, Expanding universe, Open and Closed universe, Cosmological red
shift, Hubble’s law. Olber’s Paradox. Qualitative discussions on: Big Bang, Early Universe (thermal
history and nucleosynthesis), Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, Event Horizon, Particle Horizon
and some problems of Standard Cosmology.
Books Recommended:
2. S. Weinberg- Gravitation and Cosmology: Principles and Applications of the General Theory of Relativity
(Wiley, 1972).
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7. R. Resnick – Introduction to Special Theory of Relativity.
8. S. Banerji and A. Banerjee – The Special Theory of Relativity (Prentice Hall of India, 2002)
Additional references:
P. J. Peebles, Principles of Physical Cosmology, Princeton, 1993.
S. Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology, Wiley, 1972.
A. Taylor and J. Wheeler, Exploring Black Holes, Addison-Wesley, 2000.
C. Misner, K. Thorne and J. Wheeler, Gravitation, Freeman, 1973.
H. Ohanian and R. Ruffini, Gravitation and Spacetime, Norton, 1994.
A. Linde, Particle Physics and Inflationary Cosmology, Harwood, 1990.
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APHYS 242 PHYSICS OF COMPACT OBJECTS (3 credits)
Unit I: White dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes (12 hours)
Introduction to Compact objectsFormation of compact objectsphysical properties of white dwarfs, the
Chandrasekhar limit comparison with observations: masses and radii-
physical properties and,discovery of neutron starsobservation of neutron star masses and maximum mass limit-
properties of Schwarzchild black holes
Textbooks
1.Shapiro S. & Teukolsky, S., Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars, John Wiley, 1983.
2.Accretion power in astrophyscs, J. Frank, A. King and D. Raine, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
3. An Introduction to Active galactic Nuclei, B.M.Peterson, Cambridge University Press, 1977
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APHYS 243 DIFFUSE MATTER IN SPACE (3 credits)
Discovery of interstellar gas and dust - Galactic distribution of ISM, the "Oort Limit" - Phases of ISM, pressure
equilibrium - Models of the ISM: Thermal Stability & Equilibrium, two-phase models, the coronal hot gas and
Multi-Phase Models.
Interstellar absorption lines: Radiative Transfer, line formation, equivalent widths, curve of growth, gas-phase
abundances in the ISM - The HI 21cm hyperfine structure line: excitation, absorption & emission - HI clouds.
Photoionization equilibrium, Ionization Structure, HII nebulae (Strömgren Spheres) - Thermal Structure of
Nebulae:Heating, Cooling (recombination, free-free, and collisional excitation), thermal Equilibrium - Spectra
of HII regions.
Collisional Ionization, Radiative & Dielectronic Recombination - Heating & Cooling of Hot Gas - Spectrum
of the Hot ISM : UV and FUV Absorption Lines , Diffuse Soft X-ray Continuum
Scattering, absorption, extinction and polarization by interstellar dust - Optical and material properties of dust:
Grain sizes and shapes, Grain Materials, Grain Mixture Models - Grain Formation & Destruction - Interstellar
CO and other tracer molecules, H2 formation.
Mass loss from stars: stellar winds, planetary nebulae and supernovae - formation of shells, supershells and
clouds-star formation in molecular clouds- galactic chemical evolution
Text Books
1. Spitzer, L., Physical Processes in the Insterstellar Medium, John Wiley and Sons, 1998.
2. Sutherland, R. & Dopita, M., Diffuse Matter in the Universe, Springer-Verlag, 2003.
3. Kwok, Sun, Physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, University Science Books, 2007
4. Osterbrock, D.E. & Ferland, G.J., Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei, University
Science Books, 2006
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APHYS 244 STELLAR ATMOSPHERES (3 credits)
Radiation laws and basic ideas on spectral line formation. Explanation of stellar spectra in terms of Boltzmann
and Saha equations. Natural damping. Collisional damping. Statistical broadening of hydrogen lines. Stark
effect in helium lines. Electron pressure in early type stars. Superposition of Doppler and damping profiles.
Theory of the curve of growth. Application of the curve of growth to the study of solar and stellar atmospheres.
Limitations of the curve of growth method.
Definitions concerning the radiation field. Hypothesis of plane parallel and spherically symmetric stratification.
Local thermodynamic equilibrium. Radiative equilibrium. Equation of transfer. Formal solution of the equation
of transfer. Explanation of limb darkening. Grey approximation. Solution of equation of transfer for a grey
atmosphere. Temperature distribution and limb darkening for a grey atmosphere. Departures from greyness.
Blanketing effect.
Limb darkening observations of Sun. Determination of absorption coefficient from limb darkening observations.
Sources of opacity in the solar atmosphere. Sources of continuous opacity in various types of stars. Models of
stellar atmospheres. Convection in stellar atmospheres. Schwarzchild’s criterion for convection and its
application to stellar atmospheres. Discussion of convection zones in stellar atmospheres. Abundances of
elements in normal stars. Composition of differences in population I and II stars. Anomalous abundances in cool
stars. Peculiar A stars and metallic line stars. Magnetic field in stars.
Line strength. Profile of a line. Line depth. The line source function: Transition coefficients and emission and
absorption coefficients. Equation of transfer for line frequencies: Schuster – Schwarzschild model with pure
scattering in a line. Milne- Eddington model with pure absorption and scattering. Effect of interlocking and non-
coherent scattering. Variation of line profiles over a solar disc. Moving atmospheres. Extended layers of stars.
Mechanism of emission line formation. Thermal emission and its application. Fluorescence, Rosseland cycle.
Zanstra’s mechanism. Bowen’s mechanism. Collisional excitation.
REFERENCES
1) L.H.Aller: Astrophysics.
2) J.Greenstein(Ed): Stellar Atmospheres.
3) Hynek: Astrophysics.
4) Mihalas: Stellar Atmospheres.2nd edition
5) E.Ambartzumian: Theoretical Astrophysics.
6) K.D.Abhyankar: Astrophysics Stars and Galaxies.
7)David F. Gray; Observations and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres, 3 rd edition,
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APHYS 245 GALACTIC STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS (3 Credits)
Unit-I 12 hours
Structure of our Galaxy - Distribution of stars, gas, and chemical elements in the disk and spheroid.
Other galaxies: surface profile, photometric, spectroscopic, and morphological properties, fundamental
plane. Stellar kinematics - solar Motion, standards of rest, velocities and velocity dispersions of disk
and spheroid stars.
Unit-II 12 hours
Viral theorem, Galaxy collisions, Dynamical friction in galaxy – collisions, Methods of distance
determination, Spectra and redshift, Clusters of galaxies-different types of galaxy clusters, galaxy-
galaxy encounters , Radio galaxies and quasars, Active galactic nuclei.
Unit-III 12 hours
Galactic rotation curves, Differential rotation, Velocity dispersion of galaxies, galaxy clusters and
gravitational lensing, Cosmic microwave background, Recent status of CMBR, Supermassive black
holes in galaxies, Dark matter and Dark energy,
Unit-IV 12 hour
Text Books
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APHYS 246 SUN AND SOLAR SYSTEM (3 credits)
Surface features of the sun in white and monochromatic light. Internal structure, photosphere, chromosphere and
corona. Sun spots and magnetic fields on the sun. Solar activity, solar wind and solar-terrestrial relationship.
Surface features, Internal structure, Atmospheres and Magnetic fields of Earth, Moon and Planets. Satellites and
rings of planets. Results of space probes. Origin of the solar system.
Discovery of minor planets (Asteroids), their orbits and physical nature. Origin of the minor planets. Meteors
and Meteorites. Observation of meteor showers and sporadic meteors. Orbits of sporadic meteoroids and meteor
showers. Meteorites, its types and composition. Meteorite craters.
Discovery and designation. Periodic comets. Physical nature. Spectra. Brightness variation. Gas production
rates, dust and ion tails. Nature of dust particles and origin of comets.
References
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