Infrared SETI

A description of the identification of Dyson Spheres, i.e., large amounts of orbital material around other stars, beginning with Dyson's original idea. Includes a discussion of practical engineering constraints, including why a monolithic sphere is not stable; and of the thermodynamics of Dyson spheres and properties that would optimize thermodynamic and other forms of efficiency. Discusses their observability and the AGENT formalism for parameterizing their properties. Includes a discussion of observing Dyson spheres in transit, in other galaxies, and current observational upper limits. Includes exercises for students.