The project incorporates an Applied Engineering Photonics Laboratory (AEPL) into the existing curriculum of the Mechanical Engineering Department. The project uses the requested equipment to provide hands-on training of undergraduate students in fundamental optical phenomena and related engineering applications. The primary equipment for the project is (1) an argon laser, (2) an optical table, (3) positioning components, (4) light detectors, and (5) optical components. The equipment serves several closely related purposes. The primary application is in the establishment of an AEPL course to parallel the existing Principles of Optical Measurements classroom course. In the new laboratory curriculum, undergraduate students have the opportunity of setting up optical experiments and of performing optical measurement applications. The equipment will also provide modern optical instrumentation that will be used to supplement the existing Mechanical Measurements course as well as independent laboratory investigations and undergraduate research that is conducted within the department.
