Vikram Ravi

Ph 1 abc. Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism. 9 units (4-0-5); first, second, third terms, 2025-26. A year-long introductory course on classical physics. Topics: Newtonian mechanics in Ph 1 a; electricity and magnetism, and special relativity, in Ph 1 b, c. Emphasis on physical insight and problem solving. Ph 1 b, c is divided into two tracks: the Practical Track emphasizes order-of-magnitude estimations; the Analytic Track teaches and uses methods of multivariable calculus. Students enrolled in the Practical Track are encouraged to take Ph 8 bc concurrently. Students will be given information helping them to choose a track at the end of fall term.
Instructors: Ravi, Patterson, X. Chen

Ay 122 abc. Astronomical Measurements and Instrumentation. 9 units (3-0-6); first, third terms, 2025-26. Prerequisites: Ph 106 bc or equivalent. Measurement and signal analysis techniques throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Courses may include lab work and field trips to Caltech observatories. Ay 122 a concentrates on infrared, optical, and ultraviolet techniques: telescopes, optics, detectors, photometry, spectroscopy, active/adaptive optics, coronography. Imaging devices and image processing. Ay 122 b concentrates on radio through submillimeter techniques: antennae, receivers, mixers, and amplifiers. Interferometers and aperture synthesis arrays. Signal analysis techniques and probability and statistics, as relevant to astronomical measurement. Ay 122 c concentrates on X-ray through gamma-ray techniques. Part b not offered 2025-26.
Instructors: Howard, Kasliwal, Ravi