Laboratory Experiments and Student Research in Modern Optics

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An Argon ion laser, optical table and laser accessories are being used as part of an ongoing effort to create instructional labs for three newly developed courses in the area of Lasers and Modern Optics, and improve two recently initiated major student projects: construction of a photoacoustic microscope and a diffusion measurement apparatus. A significant ingredient of the project is the use of materials of high technological importance, such as liquid crystals, polymer dispersed liquid crystals, micellar systems, and colloidal particles, which provide new ways of performing laboratory experiments, and exposure to novel materials and their applications. The acquired equipment is being used to achieve the following goals: a. create new experiments in the area of modern optics, b. significantly improve instruction on lasers and their applications, c. provide unique laboratory experiments and ways of introducing nonlinear optics to the undergraduate curriculum, and d. strengthen student research in an undergraduate environment. The versatility of the requested equipment assures its continued impact on future instructional and student research activities.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.