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Course PHYS264

Environmental Optics and Transport of Light and Particles

Course offered :

Current programmes of study

Number of credits 10
Course offered (semester) Spring
Schedule Schedule
Reading list Reading list

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Minimum 60 ECTS in physics + PHYS261 or equivalent course.

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Learning Outcomes

After completing the PHYS264 the student will

- master concepts of scattering cross section and mean free path with applications
- understand optical quantities as optical depth in relation to scattering and absorption
- be able to apply methods of scattering theory to transport properties
- have knowledge of optical methods and concepts of environmental optics
- have basic knowledge of energy transport by light, infrared light and UV-light
- have basic knowledge of environmental optics part of climatology

Course Coordinator

Ladislav Kocbach and Jakob Stamnes

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Aim and Content

The subject of the course is phenomena of transport of light and particles. In the particle part is given a detailed introduction into scattering from the point of view of quantum mechanics. Fundamental concepts as scattering cross section and mean free path are studied in detail as well as how concepts used in particle transport are related to concepts used in studies of transport of electromagnetic waves and light. Further topics in this part include elastic and inelastic scattering, relation to reactions as well as propagation of particle beams and light through physical media. Absorption and transport of light through atmosphere and hydrosphere are fundamental mechanisms of environmental optics. A large part of the course is devoted to energy balance and climate, including propagation, absorption and scattering of visible light, UV-radiation and infrared light in atmosphere, ocean or freshwater. Also included is a part showing how phenomena of scattering and absorption can be used for characterization of optical properties of various physical media.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the PHYS264 the student will

- master concepts of scattering cross section and mean free path with applications
- understand optical quantities as optical depth in relation to scattering and absorption
- be able to apply methods of scattering theory to transport properties
- have knowledge of optical methods and concepts of environmental optics
- have basic knowledge of energy transport by light, infrared light and UV-light
- have basic knowledge of environmental optics part of climatology

Pre-requirements

Minimum 60 ECTS in physics + PHYS261 or equivalent course.

.

Recommended previous knowledge

PHYS 261

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.