Equipment for Laboratory for Modern Optics Using the Comprehensive Unified Physics Learning Environment

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We are combining current technology obtained from the field of optical communications with a comprehensive computer-based learning environment as a means of bringing information age optical technology into the undergraduate laboratory at moderate cost. Recent advances in monolithic modelocked semiconductor lasers and rare earth doped optical fiber amplifiers are providing an easily maintained and relatively low cost means of introducing subpicosecond optical pulses produced at high repetition rate into the undergraduate laboratory. The short duration of the pulses and the high peak intensities make a large number of experiments that have not been previously available except to a small number of research workers and advanced graduate students, accessible to undergraduate students. This technology combined with the computerized learning environment provides a means for much of the science and technology underlying high data rate optical communications to be taught to undergraduates in a graphic and easily understood manner. The consistent user interface of the CUPLE (Comprehensive Unified Physics Learning Environment) employed across different media, such as, laboratory instruments, data arrays, graphical displays, and video recordings provides a powerful, but easily accessed teaching tool for conveying both the drama and the relatively simple concepts that characterize this rapidly developing area. The rapid evolution of technology in this field suggests that further increases in reliability and ease of operation and reduction in costs will make this learning environment available to a large number of users at reasonable cost.