The inadequate exposure of undergraduates to laser physics in the U>S> stems in large part from insufficient experience and expertise within undergraduate faculties. By capitalizing upon an existing pilot program that focusses upon the introduction of laser physics and modern optics in undergraduate programs nationwide, the Department of Physics is offering a pair of intensive, NSF-sponsored workshops that will help undergraduate faculty develop the necessary background to incorporate laser topics into their own curricula. Twenty faculty members from across the U. S. are spending five days at these workshops in order to become acquainted with both the subject and practice of laser physics. Participants in this project are becoming familiar with eight different types of laser skystems and a gradation of laser experiments that demonstrate basic principles and serve as powerful vehicles for undergraduate instruction. The workshops are emphasizing experimental aspects of laser physics and hands-on exposure of the participants to a large assortment of laser hardware. Lectures and discussions are dealing with practical matter such as choices of equipment, space requirements, costs, sources of supply, safety considerations, and support services. Near the end of the workshop, attendees and the staff will scrutinize the specific, individualized plans developed by participants to incorporate laser material and experiments into their respective curricula. The universities whose faculty participate will provide partial support for this program.
