Stimulating student interest in optics via a versatile optics demonstration laboratory

Stephen H. Cobb; Louis M. Beyer; John T. Tarvin

doi:10.1117/12.224020

13 October 1995 Stimulating student interest in optics via a versatile optics demonstration laboratory

Stephen H. Cobb, Louis M. Beyer, John T. Tarvin

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Proceedings Volume 2525, 1995 International Conference on Education in Optics; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224020
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Funding from a NSF-ILI grant has been used to establish an Optics and Laser Demonstration Laboratory at Murray State University. This facility is proving to be very versatile, with experiments and demonstrations supporting undergraduate courses in geometrical and physical optics, modern physics, and an advanced laboratory instrumentation course. The lab includes a CCD camera system which is used by upper level students to investigate diffraction effects, signal/noise ratios of detection systems, and efficiency of binary optical elements. Also, the lab supports two new courses which have been developed to accompany the grant. One course, Laser Physics, is for upper level physics majors, while the second course, Light and Lasers in Action, will use optical phenomena to introduce physical concepts to non-majors of various disciplines. The lab is receiving recognition as the centerpiece for departmental outreach into the public schools. Local elementary, middle, and high school classes visit the lab on field trips and are given demonstrations in optics and lasers. Faculty also transport lab equipment to area schools for demonstrations, and have loaned equipment to schools for use in the classroom and at science fairs. The content, activities, and reception of the lab are described.

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Stephen H. Cobb, Louis M. Beyer, and John T. Tarvin "Stimulating student interest in optics via a versatile optics demonstration laboratory", Proc. SPIE 2525, 1995 International Conference on Education in Optics, (13 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224020

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