The institution modernized two major instruments in the areas of absorption and luminescence spectroscopy and created a central multi-functional laser laboratory for use in upper division teaching and student research. Both instruments and the output from two laser light sources will be interfaced to the same central microcomputer. Capabilities in each of these spectroscopic techniques have been expanded to allow for computerized data acquisition and analysis for use in laboratory courses in physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, polymers, special topics and independent/directed study as well as in departmental undergraduate research projects. The laser laboratory allows students to realize and work with the unique capabilities of laser light sources. These include a He-Ne laser, a He-Cd laser and a nitrogen-pumped dye laser in addition to associated optics, a monochrometer, a detection system and a microcomputer for experiment control and data analysis. In the teaching labs novel absorption and luminescence measurements are made from continuous broad band sources and monochromated laser sources. These are focused on physical and chemical properties in ways which more clearly elucidate optical effects in materials as well as illustrate the power of modern optical techniques. Independent study and research projects involve experiment dealing with the spectroscopic illumination of laser dye materials in the solid state, as spectroscopic probes in surfactant and micelle based systems, and in the pH dependent polymeric behavior of bioorganic ligand bonded to lanthanides in association with EDTA. The institution contributed to this project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.
