Applied Optics and Lab Courses

offered by Physics and Astronomy this Spring

Topics in Applied Physics – Reciprocality

The Spring 2000 course will consider applications in nature of reciprocal/direct, frequency/period, momentum/position, covariant/contravariant, and wave/particle complementarity in fields as diverse as: (i) electron optical exploration of nano-materials, (ii) infrared spectroscopy of gigascale integrated circuit silicon, (iii) light optical computing, (iv) electronic circuit design, (v) crystallography, (vi) classical geometrodynamics, (vii) photonics, and (viii) algorithms for data compression and pattern recognition. The focus will be on applications in optics of present economic impact, although we will discuss and illustrate connection to the other areas also, in language consistent with the background of participants. Guest presentations on applications could involve regional experts in areas as diverse as optometry, silicon science, diffraction, telescope making, circuit theory, electron microscopy, and digital analysis of images. This course will include some hands-on experience with light and electron optical systems (including an atomic resolution 300kV TEM), and will we hope complement related lab course offerings the department is considering this semester as well. (Physics 325: 3 credit hours; Prerequisites: Physics 304 and Math 202)

Manufacturing and Testing Methods for Precision Optics

This course will "focus" on manufacturing methods for telescope optics. Topics will include primary mirror grinding, smoothing, polishing, figuring and coating. In addition, optical aberrations, and optical system optimization will be incorporated. Each student will design, analyze, and construct the telescope optical system of their choice. Although the "standard" telescope is a 6" f/5 Newtonian, different designs, apertures and f / ratios can be accommodated. Grading will be based on homework, completed optical system, and system design notebook. DON’T MISS IT!!!

In addition to UM-StL registration fees, students must purchase all components for the optical assembly. Most materials are available through the class at a discount. Approximate minimum cost for a 6" f/5 telescope optical assembly: $200.00. (Course # Options TBA; 3 credit hours; Prerequisites: Algebra and Consent of Instructor; Recommended: Calculus and Physics 12 or beyond) Contact: Rich Schuler.

Advanced Physics Laboratory I

Physics and physics education majors are introduced to the experimental techniques used in research. A student will choose to work (and do a presentation) on several special problems during the semester, in areas like: 1. Photon Counting --Use a photomultiplier tube to detect individual photons and study their statistics; 2. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR)--Study protons in various local environments in liquid samples using either steady state or pulsed NMR; 3. High Temperature Superconductors--Manufacture samples and study their superconducting properties; 4. Study of Chaos--Use electronic circuits to simulate and study chaotic effects in equations; 5. Laser Diodes--Study the properties and uses of laser diodes; 6. Classical Hall Effect--Measure carier concentration, bandgap energy and Hall coefficient in doped semicoductors; 7. Thermal Noise--Study the statistics of noise due the random motion of carriers in a resistor at various temperatures; 8. Optical Interference--Use lasers to study how light can interfere and use the technique to very accuratly measure the velocity of a moving surface and the wavelength of light itself. (Physics 311: 3 credit hours; Prerequisites: 9 completed Physics hours at or above the 200 level) Contacts: Bernard Feldman or Wayne Garver.