Experiments will be developed to illustrate the use of laser techniques in demonstrating and understanding chemical principles. Emphasis will be placed on the use of a helium-neon laser source which is inexpensive, safe, and readily available. These experiments are being designed for use in the classroom or for lecture demonstrations or for use by highly motivated high school students or beginning undergraduate chemistry students. Although the use of lasers to demonstrate optical phenomena is fairly well advanced, their counterpart in chemical applications remains in a highly primitive state, even though laser techniques are revolutionizing chemical research. Funds will allow for the exploration of suitable laser chemistry experiments for the secondary school and beginning undergraduate curriculum. Simple, "hands-on" experiments will be produced for student use under the supervision and guidance of a teacher. For the most part, the science curricula of the secondary schools is in serious need of revision. This project shows the way to bringing new technologies into the secondary school chemistry program and provides a model for similar action in biology and physics programs. This project will also provide useful and current experiments for use by talented and motivated students.
