PX3144: Electromagnetic Radiation Detection
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX3144 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Simon Doyle |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To introduce the concepts involved in the detection of electromagnetic radiation across the entire spectrum from radio waves to x-rays.
To describe and explain the physical processes involved in detection and their application in current technology.
To explain the fundamental limits to the sensitivity of radiation detection, and how closely they can be approached in practice.
To note and understand the implications of the fundamental physical and practical limits to the detection process.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Quantify the fundamental limits to electromagnetic (EM) radiation detection.
Describe the physical mechanisms and the technologies used to detect EM radiation across the spectrum.
Outline the basics of low-noise signal processing.
Describe some detectors and techniques used in research and industrial environments.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Mathematics. Problem solving. Investigative skills. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 80 | Electromagnetic Radiation Detection | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Electromagnetic Radiation Detection | N/A |
Syllabus content
Electromagnetic radiation mechanisms: from radio to y-rays: continuum and line radiation; black body radiation; free-free radiation; radiation from an accelerated charge – cyclotron and synchrotron radiation, dipole radiation; line radiation - nuclear, electronic, vibrational, rotational, fine structure, Zeeman splitting.
Interaction of radiation with matter: absorption mechanisms and characterisation at radio, infrared, visible-UV, X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths.
Radiation theory: power, flux, intensity; equation of radiative transfer and applications.
Key concepts in measurement: transduction, responsivity, response time, background, noise, direct and coherent detection.
Noise in photon detection: the ideal photon detector, photon shot noise and wave noise; fundamental limits to sensitivity; responsive and detective quantum efficiencies, NEP, noise temperature, noise spectral density, signal-to-noise; noise mechanisms - thermal, electron shot noise, phonon noise, read noise, 1/f noise, interference; integration; minimising noise.
Radio detection: single-mode detection, basic total power radiometer, heterodyne receiver, spectral line detection, receiver sensitivity.
Infrared and millimetre-wave detection: photoconductive and photovoltaic detectors, infrared imaging; bolometric detectors; superconducting detectors; cryogenic systems.
Visible-UV detection: photoemissive detectors; CCD arrays, adaptive optics.
X-ray and y-ray detection: photon absorption mechanisms; proportional counters; X-ray spectrometers; low-temperature X-ray calorimeters; scintillators; semiconductor detectors; spark chamber; anticoincidence and veto detection systems.
High-energy particle physics detectors
Background Reading and Resource List
Detection of Light from the Ultraviolet to the Submillimeter, G H Rieke
Suitable texts on particular aspects of the course will be recommended