Growth and Characterization of Optical Materials

在光学和电子材料方面令人兴奋和重要的进展应该在本科科学和工程课程中发挥更重要的作用。考虑到这一需求，阿肯色大学的课程设计为理工科学生提供了一系列四门现代光学课程：光学、激光物理、应用非线性光学和材料光学特性。光学和激光物理专业的学生将学习物理光学和波动光学的基础知识，并在设计、建造和分析最先进的激光系统方面培养特定的技能。这些技能在应用非线性光学中得到进一步发展，学生研究在科学和技术中广泛应用的概念和技术。阿肯色大学的所有这三门课程都结合了课堂教学和强烈的“动手”实验室体验，以提高学生的兴趣并最大限度地提高学习体验。材料的光学特性课程为材料的结构、电子和光学特性打下基础，所有这些都是相互关联的，对于新型光学和电子材料和器件的持续发展至关重要。不幸的是，目前学生还不能获得材料光学性质的补充“动手”实验经验。本项目旨在加强理工科学生对这门课程的热情，并将他们的才能和兴趣发展为具体的技能。拟议的光学材料生长和表征实验室探索材料研究的几个关键方面，以发展以下方面的技能：(i)晶体生长，（ii）物理表征；（iii）电气特性；（iv）材料的光学特性。在每个领域，所要求的设备将使学生体验整个光学和材料研究界使用的实际技术。

9452409 Oliver Exciting and important advances in optical and electronic materials should play a much more significant role in the undergraduate science and engineering curricula. With this need in mind the curriculum at the University of Arkansas has been designed to provide a series of four courses in modern optics for science and engineering students: Optics, Laser Physics, Applied Nonlinear Optics, and Optical Properties of Materials. Students in Optics and Laser Physics learn the fundamentals of both physical and wave optics and they develop specific skills in the design, construction, and analysis of state-of-the-art laser systems. These skills are further developed in Applied Non-Linear Optics where students investigate concepts and techniques finding widespread applications in science and technology. All three of these courses at Arkansas combine both classroom and strong "hands-on" laboratory experiences to enhance student interest and maximize the learning experience. The Optical Properties of Materials course develops a foundation in the structural, electronic, and optical properties of materials, all of which are integrally related and vitally important for the continued development of novel optical and electronic materials and devices. Unfortunately, a complementary "hands-on" laboratory experience for Optical Properties of materials is not presently available for the students. This project proposes to reinforce the enthusiasm shown by science and engineering students in this course with an opportunity to develop their talents and interests into specific skills. The proposed Growth and Characterization of Optical Materials laboratory explores several key aspects of materials research to develop skills in (i) Crystal Growth, (ii) Physical Characterization; (iii) Electrical Characterization; and (iv) Optical Characterization of Materials. In each area, the equipment requested will give the students experience with actual techniques used throughout the optics and materials research community.