Calvin College's Physics Department intends to strengthen its capabilities in teaching, to intermediate- and upper-level undergraduates, the fundamental experimental techniques used in solid-state physics and the neighboring areas of materials science. To do so, we have selected the major areas of thermal, magnetic, and electrical measurements, and have devised an instrumentation initiative which enables these material properties to be measured over a wide range of temperature. The initiative also introduces students to some of the basic techniques of materials production widely used in condensed-matter physics. Our initiative acquired a differential scanning calorimeter system, for study of specific heat capacity and phase transitions; a magnetic susceptibility system applicable over the 8-325 K range; and a very versatile electronic instrument package for electrical transport and polarizability measurement. A closed-cycle cryocooler is being acquired to provide the temperature control for the magnetic and electrical measurements. Finally, for purposes of sample preparation, we have acquired a simple furnace, and basic vacuum evaporation and sputtering systems, for bulk and thin-film sample and materials preparation.
