Despite the growing importance of lasers and modern optics, undergraduate institutions rarely provide coursework in these increasingly pivotal areas. At a time when growing numbers of scientists are using lasers in research and when modern optics and microelectronics are spawning new technologies whose impact may rival that of the silicon microchip, undergraduates in this country remain largely on the sidelines. Lawrence University is undertaking a pilot program designed to determine the staffing and hardware requirements for meaningful instruction in lasers and modern optics in undergraduate institutions. With support from the National Science Foundation and other sources, it will develop courses at several levels, devise suitable laboratory experiments, test various types of lasers and optical hardware, and develop instructional materials. Publications, visits, workshops, and outreach programs will serve to inform other institutions of the details of the findings. The primary objective is to demonstrate to others that undergraduate offerings in laser science and modern optics are feasible and overdue. Aspects of this program are expected to be emulated elsewhere. The present grant will assist in the acquisition of electronic equipment for use in designing and operating the laser laboratories.
