The purpose of this project is to initiate a series of laser-based experiments that are integrated into the physics and chemistry programs. This is accomplished by setting up a joint laser laboratory for physics and chemistry that is solely dedicated to housing lasers and related instrumentation. Through the integration of laser-based experiments into the undergraduate physics and chemistry curricula, students learn how (1) to operate and characterize pulsed, continuous-wave (cw), fixed frequency, and tunable lasers; (2) to investigate atomic and molecular species using state-of-the-art techniques in linear and nonlinear laser spectroscopy; (3) to utilize advanced instrumentation and detectors such as digital storage oscilloscopes, fiber optics, linear photodiode arrays, and scanning monochromators; and (4) to use a computer-interfaced data acquisition system to both control an experiment and to collect and analyze data. The new experiments are designed to be well-suited for undergraduate instruction in that they teach important skills in laser spectroscopy, require a level of analysis that is amenable to students, and provide "hands-on" experience with lasers, instrumentation, and computer-interfaced data acquisition.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9551219
Program Officer
Duncan E. McBride
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1995-06-15
Budget End
1997-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
$19,957
Indirect Cost
Name
Francis Marion University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Florence
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29501