Enhancement of Undergraduate Faculty Expertise in Lasers andOptics

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Faculty who teach primarily undergraduates are being exposed to the excitement and vitality of modern laser/optics technology and science. The activities are being carefully structured to illustrate connection between fundamental optical concepts and well focused applications involving advanced and sophisticated equipment. Basic concepts are those normally taught in a second or third year optics segment or course at the undergraduate level. The result is an increased understanding of the flow from basic to applied on the part of the participants, who will gain direct, hands on experience with recent developments in the rapidly advancing field of optics. The personal experience gained by the participants is translating into better instruction through both lecture and laboratory development and motivation of students toward optics careers. The motivation and the connection of these workshops with universities offering graduate training is resulting in greater opportunities for the participant's students. By holding these workshops in conjunction with the Laser Institute of America's annual meetings in Florida, Massachusetts and California in each of the next three years the opportunities for undergraduate faculty are greatly expanded. In addition the annual meeting enhances the educational opportunities available to the participants. Follow up for the participants and their students is designed to provide continuing program improvement, and maximum long-term impact. A laboratory manual is being produced as a part of the workshops and follow-up activities. Cost sharing by the participants for their travel and the Laser Institute for publicity will constitute about 20 per cent of the cost of the program.