In previous work by this project, experiment have been developed to illustrate the use of laser techniques in demonstrating and understanding chemical principles. Emphasis was placed on the use of a helium-neon laser source which is inexpensive, safe, and readily available. These experiments have been 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. The product of the work being supported through this project will be a monograph of approximately 250 pages describing all successful experiment performed over the summers of 1985 through 1988 in a form usable by the teachers of general chemistry classes. This support will also allow dissemination of the monograph so that it can be shared with other educators in the field.
