Physical Optics

I want to thank Kathy Plinske who worked with me on early development of several of these labs and Matthew Bravander who worked on the second generation of these labs - taking some very nice data.

Experiments - Each experiment is described in detail. The goals, data and possible pitfalls are discussed along with a description and pictures of the apparatus. Graphs of typical data are also included for some of the experiments.
Equipment - The key to experimental physics is understanding the tools - the apparatus. This includes not only knowing how to use a piece of equipment but also to having an appreciation for its capabilities and limitations. Many of the experiments will use the PASCO Advanced Optics System, the Ealing Universal Interferometer, light sensors, the Vernier Universal Lab Interface and some custom-built equipment. A SONY digital camera is also used to record images (e.g. Airy disk pattern, Poisson spot) for further analysis.
Data Analysis - Analysis and interpretation of experimental results requires a solid understanding of measurement errors - both statistical and systematic - and how errors propagate. The discussion of data analysis also includes plotting techniques, curve fitting, judging goodness of fits and analysis of photographic images. Matrix techniques (for geometric optics), phasors and special functions are also described.
Software - A number of useful commercial software packages are used in this lab
Techniques - It is important to develop good experimental techniques in the process of setting up equipment, avoiding pitfalls in using equipment, taking data, recording data and archiving on disk and keeping a lab notebook. The techniques of presenting results in a written report and in an oral presentation are also discussed.
Repository - A repository for data files, drawing, photos and other material which may be helpful in doing your analyses and preparing your lab write-ups.