Enhancement of an Advanced Integrated Student Optics Course

本课题是对物理专业本科生高等光学课程的改进。这主要是通过实施新的实验室实验来实现的，这些实验说明了难以掌握的主题的基本概念。实验室实验被安置在一个新装修的实验室空间，专门用于课程，位于教室附近。同样的设备被用于课堂演示和家庭作业/实验室练习。这使得分析和实验室经验紧密结合。学生们被鼓励在实验室和课堂上进行团队合作。新的实验室设置使学生更好地为未来的研究做好准备，在这些研究中，理论与实践之间的直观联系是必不可少的。具体地说，这个项目是支持在透镜系统设计，激光腔性能，相干理论和量子光学领域的课程。学生们正在使用Zemax射线追踪软件，研究高斯激光束和腔，进行傅立叶光谱分析，并观察量子干涉效应。选择特定的主题是因为它们阐述了基本概念，同时为学生提供了动手接触当代设备和光学方法的机会。少量的支持也用于计算机动画的开发，以说明先进的光学概念，动画可以在互联网上观看。目标是提供一个多方面的学习经验，让学生有动力通过改进的可视化和经验来掌握分析概念。

Physics (13) This project improves the advanced optics course for physics undergraduates. This is being done primarily through the implementation of new laboratory experiments which illustrate basic concepts in hard-to-grasp topics. The lab experiments are being housed in a newly renovated laboratory space specifically devoted to the course and located near the classroom. The same equipment is being used both for classroom demonstrations and homework/laboratory exercises. This allows a close integration of analytical and laboratory experiences. Students are being encouraged to work in teams in the laboratory and in the classroom. The new laboratory setups better prepare students for future research situations where an intuitive connection between theory and practice is essential. Specifically, this project is bolstering curriculum in the areas of lens system design, laser cavity performance, coherence theory, and quantum optics. Students are using Zemax raytracing software, studying Gaussian laser beams and cavities, performing Fourier spectroscopy, and viewing quantum interference effects. The particular topics were chosen because they illustrate fundamental concepts while providing students with hands-on exposure to contemporary equipment and optical methods. A modest amount of support is also being used for the development of computer animations for illustrating advanced optical concepts, animations which can be viewed over the internet. The goal is to provide a multifaceted learning experience where students are motivated to master analytical concepts through improved visualization and experience.