Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Class Taught by Professor Xinzhao Chu in Fall 2006

ASEN-5519. Fundamentals of Spectroscopy for Optical Remote Sensing

Course Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this class include a basic understanding of general physics and modern physics (e.g., optical and atomic physics, optical electronics, and some laser basics). These are all topics that are covered in undergraduate physics or engineering programs. If you do not have a background in one of these areas you should expect to spend some extra time on the specific material. Note: This is a graduate class and you are expected to work independently to solve problems. There are many resources, including the library, at your disposal. If you feel that you are significantly deficient in more than one of the areas listed above then you should contact the instructor.

Course Objectives
Optical (especially laser) remote sensing has become one of the most important approaches in science study, environmental research, and industry application, which is not only replacing conventional sensors but also creating new methods with unique properties that could not be achieved before. However, extensive knowledge in the atomic, molecular and laser spectroscopy is needed in order to study and further advance optical and laser remote sensing technologies. One of the goals of this spectroscopy course is to provide a comprehensive preparation for the laser remote sensing (lidar) class offered at CU in the Spring Semester. It will cover the fundamental knowledge from atomic and molecular structure and spectra to light scattering by small particles, and from laser technology and optical electronics to modern laser spectroscopy. Meanwhile, these contents are also very important parts of modern physics and technology, so they have very wide applications in many fields. Further goals of this spectroscopy course are to expose students to these modern physics and technologies, and to prepare them with the necessary knowledge and ability to pursue research and/or applications in spectroscopy-related fields.

Objectives of the course are to provide:

1. a comprehensive, yet easily understandable, up-to-date overview of the fundamentals of atomic, molecular, and laser spectroscopy;
2. exposure to the modern optics, optical electronics and laser technology;
3. an introduction to various applications of spectroscopy in modern optical and laser remote sensing.