Halverson develops millimeter-wavelength instrumentation to study the origins of the universe through observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Observations of the CMB can be used to gather evidence for gravitational waves released by an early period of inflation, and can be used to constrain the neutrino mass and the understand the growth of structure and dark energy. He currently collaborates on ground-based mm-wave CMB experiments: the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and the CMB-S4 experiment. Halverson is participating in the LiteBIRD CMB Space Mission project led by JAXA, and is also PI on a NASA APRA grant to develop silicon planar metamaterial lenslet arrays for CMB and submm space missions.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Same as ASTR 1020 and ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2100 - Fundamental Concepts in Astrophysics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Covers topics in modern physics required for upper-level astrophysics and planetary science courses, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetic spectra, atomic and nuclear physics, and thermodynamics, in the context of astrophysics, planetary and space sciences. Also introduces key topics in mathematics to support these topics.
ASTR 3560 - Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Teaches students aspects of astronomical instrument design in a hands-on setting. Students will learn elementary principles of geometrical optics, diffraction, light detection, signal conditioning, data acquisition and motion control, and mechanical design. Students will apply these principles working in groups to design and build optical spectrometers.
ASTR 5550 - Observations, Data Analysis and Statistics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Introduces multi-wavelength observational techniques,their limitations and effects of various noise sources. Describes basic data handling, error analysis, and statistical tests relevant to modeling. Topics include probability distributions, model-fitting algorithms, confidence intervals, correlations, sampling and convolution. Students derive physical measurements and uncertainties with hands-on analysis of real datasets. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics or instructor consent will be required.
ASTR 6000 - Seminar in Astrophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Studies current research and research literature on an astrophysical topic. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for a total of 4 credit hours to meet candidacy requirements.
