Programme

Unit 1: Maxwell’s Equations.
Maxwell's Equations in integral and differential forms. Importance of the Maxwell term. Boundary conditions. Complex vectors and polarization. Constitutive equations.

Unit 2: Propagation of electromagnetic field.
Free-space propagation of electromagnetic fields. Wave equation. Plane wave solution. Propagation of plane waves in lossless dielectrics. Propagation of plane waves in conducting media. Phase velocity and group velocity. Snell-Descartes Laws. Fresnel equations. Electromagnetic properties of sea water. Reflection at the air / sea interface.

Unit 3: Antenna fundamentals.
Electrodynamic potentials. Green's function. Elementary sources of the electromagnetic field: Hertzian dipole. Types of antennas. Electrical and radiative characteristics of antennas. Friis equation for point-to-point connections.
Module 4: Electromagnetic scattering and RADAR.
Electromagnetic scattering. RADAR cross section. RADAR equation. RADAR equation for distributed surfaces. RCS from statistically rough surfaces. RCS of the sea surface. Scatterometers and wind measurements. Altimeter radar and ocean height. Imaging radars. Real-aperture radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). SAR and ocean.

Unit 5: Electromagnetic emission and radiometers.
Thermal radiation. Thermal radiation from the sea surface. Microwave and infrared radiometers. Use of radiometers to measure the sea surface temperature, to investigate anomalous weather events and instabilities in ocean currents and for climate monitoring.

Module 6: Remote sensing with acoustic waves.
Duality between electromagnetic and acoustic waves. SONAR.

Prerequisiti

Knowledge of the fundamentals of mathematical analysis and multivariable calculus. Knowledge of the fundamental properties of the electrostatic and magnetostatic fields.

Core Documentation

Learning materials provided by the teacher.

Reference Bibliography

To deepen specific topics, students may refer to the following books: Fawwaz Ulaby, Umberto Ravaioli, Fondamenti di campi elettromagnetici, Pearson, 2021. John R. Apel, Principles of Ocean Physics, Academic Press, 1988. Seelye Martin, An Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing, Cambridge University Press, 2014.

Type of delivery of the course

The course is delivered through theoretical lectures and computed-based exercises.

Attendance

Attendance is optional but highly recommended.

Type of evaluation

The assessment of learning outcomes is based on a final oral examination or, alternatively, two partial written examinations (midterm and final), which replace the oral examination. The oral examination consists of at least three questions covering the course topics. Each of the two partial written examinations covers the corresponding part of the course syllabus, lasts 60 minutes, and consists of three open-ended questions to be answered within a designated space of approximately one page per question. Graphs, sketches, and formulas may be included. The examinations are aimed at assessing students' understanding of the physical principles and theoretical models covered in the course, as well as their ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of offshore remote monitoring technologies. The assessment takes into account the relevance of the responses, the completeness and accuracy of the content, the ability to synthesize and critically analyze information, the ability to establish connections between concepts, topics, or case studies, clarity of exposition and appropriate use of language, as well as technical and scientific rigor. Grading criteria: The oral examination is worth up to 31 points, while the two partial written examinations are worth up to 16 and 15 points, respectively. The maximum overall score is therefore 31 points, corresponding to 30/30 with honors (*cum laude*). The minimum passing grade is 18/30.