High vacuum technology underlies much of current experimental science and "high technology," and provides an excellent basis for training advanced undergraduates. The Physics Department at Augsburg College will complete the development of a high vacuum laboratory featuring four multipurpose vacuum stands (medium high vacuum, gas analysis with mass spectrometry, gas mixing, and ultra high vacuum), and to continue ongoing curriculum developments related to this laboratory. Experiments will include topics in atomic and molecular properties using mass spectroscopy, plasma physics, gas-surface interactions, and vacuum technology. The equipment to be purchased includes a modern quadrupole mass spectrometer, PC-based computer controllers and computer-compatible sensors, and selected vacuum items needed to complete stand fabrication. The vacuum laboratory will be used by both physics and chemistry students in several upper division courses, and by technical employees in local industry enrolled as part of an ongoing educational partnership. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.
