How to Derive the Equation for Radial Dependence of Light in a Galaxy Image?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving an equation related to the radial dependence of light in galaxy images. The equation involves various parameters such as the number of photons per pixel, Planck's constant, the speed of light, and other factors relevant to the imaging process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between the variables in the equation and how they contribute to the concept of irradiance. Questions are raised about the definitions of terms like "radial dependence" and the significance of certain parameters, such as quantum efficiency and the relationship between focal length and diameter in the context of steradians.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing insights into the physical meaning of the variables and how they relate to the overall equation. There is an ongoing exploration of how to group terms and what they represent, but no consensus has been reached on the complete derivation or interpretation of the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express a lack of clarity regarding certain terms and their implications, indicating that further definitions and explanations may be necessary for a complete understanding of the problem.

Gantar
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Homework Statement
Explain how to derive the equation
Relevant Equations
I=[N*4*h*c*f^2]/[λ*π*η*t*S*D^2]
So we have a project and we are required to write how to derive the given equation yet we can't find any explenation, only the equation itself.
The equation is basically what we are supposed to use to get radial dependence of light for a given picture of a galaxy when we have values in photons per pixle and want to get W/m^2*steradian

N is the numbr of photons per pixle, h is Plancks constant, c is the speed of light, f is the focal length of the telescope, λ is the wavelength of visible light, η is the quantum efficiency of the camera, t is time of exposure, S the surface of a pixle, D is diameter of the telescopes mirror.
 
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Gantar said:
Homework Statement:: Explain how to derive the equation
Relevant Equations:: I=[N*4*h*c*f^2]/[λ*π*η*t*S*D^2]

So we have a project and we are required to write how to derive the given equation yet we can't find any explenation, only the equation itself.
The equation is basically what we are supposed to use to get radial dependence of light for a given picture of a galaxy when we have values in photons per pixle and want to get W/m^2*steradian

N is the numbr of photons per pixle, h is Plancks constant, c is the speed of light, f is the focal length of the telescope, λ is the wavelength of visible light, η is the quantum efficiency of the camera, t is time of exposure, S the surface of a pixle, D is diameter of the telescopes mirror.
You have not defined I. (What does "radial dependence" mean?)
Much of the way the variables combine is reasonably obvious. E.g. can you at least group hc/λ into something you can give a name to? What else?
 
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haruspex said:
You have not defined I. (What does "radial dependence" mean?)
Much of the way the variables combine is reasonably obvious. E.g. can you at least group hc/λ into something you can give a name to? What else?

Im guessing its called irradiance in english (sorry i lack a bit of english knowledge) basically we need to make a profile of irradiance for a galaxy, but i think that's not as important at the moment. I am more looking for getting grayscale to irradiance.
Okay so hc/λ I am guessing is energy of a photon, so therefore we need to divide it by time to get power, so that's where the wats come from. N is just so we have power of all photons combined and we divide by S to get power per m^2 right?
Then I am a bit confussed by the η , don't really see a connection to anything there.
Also the f^2 and D^2 they mostlikely have something to do with steradian?

Also thank you for responding and helping, i really appreciate it:)
 
Gantar said:
Okay so hc/λ I am guessing is energy of a photon, so therefore we need to divide it by time to get power, so that's where the wats come from. N is just so we have power of all photons combined and we divide by S to get power per m^2 right?
Yes, that all looks right. And that would be W/m2 as recorded by the camera.
Gantar said:
Then I am a bit confussed by the η
To work back to the W/m2 actually striking the receptor one would divide by the efficiency.
Gantar said:
Also the f^2 and D^2 they mostlikely have something to do with steradian?
Indeed. The terms you have left are ##\frac 4\pi(\frac fD)^2##. Can you relate f/D to anything?
 

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