The goal of this project is to assemble the essential components of a versatile laser spectrometer to enable students of physical chemistry to carry out experiments in Raman spectroscopy, time-resolved absorption spectroscopy, and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The total system includes both a pulsed Nd:YAG laser and a dye laser, as well as a monochromator, a signal processor, and a laboratory computer to store and analyze the data. The spectrometer will be used to introduce students to several phenomena and techniques which are important to current research in chemistry. These include (a) principles and applications of lasers, (b) techniques for measuring very fast processes, (c) manipulation of a sophisticated optical-electronic system, and (d) computer interfacing and control of experiments. This system will also provide an opportunity for chemistry majors to use state-of-the art laser equipment for independent research projects. An important outcome of this project will be the eventual publication of a variety of well-tested, documented experiments for undergraduates using state-of-the-art laser systems. Thus this project can serve as a national model, and contribute to the improvement of chemistry education on the national level.
