NSF Award
9351951
9351951 Sohl A modern laser physics laboratory is currently being developed for use by undergraduate physics majors. The laser lab will be used to modernize three aspects of the curriculum at Weber State University: 1) Upper-division Modern Physics Lab experiments; 2) Applied Optics Lab experiments; and 3) individual research projects. Typically, 15 students per year are involved with these courses. The Laser Lab also permits the future addition to the curriculum of an advanced undergraduate modern optics course. The Laser Lab allows students in the Modern Physics Lab to undertake experiments involving laser induced fluorescence, and atomic structure, lifetimes and collisional processes. These experiments demonstrate many of the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. The Applied Optics course at Weber State University has a strong laboratory component. The Laser Lab gives the students "hands-on" experience in the assembly, alignment, operation, and use of various laser systems. Laser spectroscopy is well suited for undergraduate research as both the basic theory and the experimental apparatus are within the grasp of juniors and seniors. The Laser Lab is expanding the undergraduate research options to include atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Thus, students are being better prepared for future industrial or graduate school work in this critical field. The laboratory has been designed with individual workstations which which simultaneous operation of several experiments. By inserting a mirror or two, the laser beam(s) can be directed to each station as needed. ***
