Syllabus - Astro 250 Space Physics Laboratory 1 (non-credit – P/F)
Grading: Class participation (30%), Demo homework (30%), Project proposal (40%)
NOTE – The order and scheduling of some topics may change, depending on the ongoing work in the laboratory at the time.
Week 1: Introduction to Space Physics Laboratory
• Course Introduction with Q&A
• Princeton University Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety 1-5 and test (online)
Princeton University Environmental Health & Safety (link is external)
• Laboratory Safety Training (Instructor-led)
Princeton University Environmental Health & Safety (link is external)
Week 2: Space Physics Laboratory-specific Safety & Project kickoff
• Introductory tour of the lab
• Detailed discussion of lab-specific safety topics, best safety practices/risk mitigation, and actions to take when issues arise
• Initial discussion of specific team project(s) for class
(Team Project Definition: Conduct research on the mechanical, electrical, system, software, and control functions needed for specific team project; define all system requirements for project completion; develop initial ideas for solutions and implementation, including draft schedules, milestones, and deliverables to complete project ins AST 251 the following semester)
Week 3: Introduction to Ultra-high Vacuum systems 1
• Basic physics of vacuum systems
• Overview of Vacuum system hardware (CF & KF flanges, cryopumps, turbopumps, GV’s angle valves, etc.)
• Leak-rate demonstration
(Data analysis homework: analyze pressure vs time data, perform leak rate calculations, and research various materials outgassing properties)
Week 4: Introduction to Ultra-high Vacuum systems 2
• Pump-down process
• Back-to-atmosphere process
• RGA demo
Week 5: Working in the Clean Room
• Basic overview of NASA cleanliness standards/principles
• Walk-through of gowning and de-gowning
• Particle counter-demonstration
(Data analysis homework: analyze particle count rate data, perform cleanliness calculations, and research cleanroom techniques and implications)
Week 6: Basic Laboratory Electronics 1
• Basics of signals and Oscilloscope measurements
• Basics of soldering and cable-making
Week 7: Basic Laboratory Electronics 2
• Overview of electronics in the monitoring and controls system
• Discussion of low & high voltage areas of the lab
• Faraday cup, positioning system, line voltage monitor, magnetometer, etc.
Week 8: Ion Source Design and Operation
• Basic physics of how the source & Wien Filter operate
• Demo of ion source and ion mass selection
• (Data analysis homework: analyze ion source, system, and beam data; perform ion mass analysis calculations, and research Wien Filter mass analysis)
Week 9: Brainstorm Project Ideas
• Exploration of what is involved in actual laboratory projects
Week 10: Project Development 1
• Initial scope definition, identifying tools and
Week 11: Project Development 2
• Develop a full project proposal
Week 12: Present Project Proposal