This project involves the use of Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) to acquire and analyze high-quality digital spectra and images obtained with existing spectrographs and telescopes. Student project work using these upgraded instruments are done in both the optics laboratory and the observatory. Two scientific-grade CCD detector systems, the Star I/Series 300 system, from Photometrics Ltd. of Tucson, Arizona are used. These systems have been added to existing moderate-and high-resolution spectrographs and to a 56-cm telescope. This upgrade in detector capability provides students with the experience of (1) working with state-of-the-art instruments of the type now commonly found in many optics laboratories and observatories, and (2) carrying out quantitative analysis of the data obtained with these instruments using sophisticated image processing software. The outcome of this program is a greatly enhanced lab experience for students in physics and astronomy. The college is matching the award in with an equal amount of funds.
