The goal of this proposal is to bring modern spectroscopic methods into our laboratory courses in physical chemistry. The specific aims of our proposal are: 1) to create five modern spectroscopic experiments based on a pulsed dye laser system; 2) to specify an instrument package that is within the budgetary reach of chemistry departments at most institutions; 3) to develop the experiments to the point that they can be adopted by instructors who lack prior expertise in laser spectroscopy; 4) to expose students in the introductory and advanced physical chemistry laboratories to modern techniques in physical chemistry; and 5) to communicate the results of our program both regionally and nationally through presentations at scientific meetings and publication.
