Students often have difficulties comprehending situations in which wave characteristics of light are manifested. After teaching wave optics, we studied the level of understanding of reflective diffraction of light with a group of secondary school students, and the phenomenon of diffraction in general. We analysed the possibility of using…

WebTOP is a three-dimensional, Web-based, interactive computer graphics system that helps instructors teach and students learn about waves and optics. Current subject areas include waves, geometrical optics, reflection and refraction, polarization, interference, diffraction, lasers, and scattering. Some of the topics covered are suited for…

X-ray crystallography is an essential technique for modern chemistry and biochemistry, but it is infrequently encountered by undergraduate students owing to lack of access to equipment, the time-scale for generating diffraction-quality molecular crystals, and the level of mathematics involved in analyzing the resulting diffraction patterns.…

Part I. The design and development of organic second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have attracted much interest due to their applications in optoelectronic devices and modern communications technology. Donor-pi-acceptor compounds, D-(CH=CH)[subscript n]-A, often exhibit hyperpolarizability that results in laser frequency doubling (second…

Analyzes the dangers of lasers in a classroom situation to formulate safety standards which are contrasted with federal regulations. Suggests that every laser user should check with the safety precautions to reduce the probability of producing a burn per student contact to extremely low levels. (CC)

The nation's community colleges share a common and vital purpose: preparing students--young and working adults--for jobs and continued academic study. Today, over 7 million community college students strive to attain a degree that will expand their opportunity, whether they aim to graduate directly into the workforce or continue on to seek a…

Laser physics can be addressed and presented at three different levels of conceptual and mathematical sophistication. In this paper, the three levels are defined and characterized. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed, and recommendations for choosing a particular approach to match student level and interest are offered.…

This compendium of interdisciplinary learning activities is designed to assist technology education instructors who are conducting an introductory secondary-level course in communication technology. The 12 activities, which are sequenced from introductory, low-cost activities to more advanced and more involved activities, deal with the following…

A Lehigh University project to develop interactive video materials for use in upper-level Russian language courses is reported. Russian film clips on laser disc are used to improve writing and speaking skills, stimulate students' critical thinking, and encourage students' collaborative learning. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/LB)

In the spring of 1990, an evaluation was conducted of Saginaw, Michigan's Laser Learning Project (LLP), which was designed to provide eighth grade students with an alternative mathematics instructional program using specially designed curriculum and interactive video. It was hypothesized that participating students would not only achieve higher…

Media--text, images, audio, and video--underwent a transformation from analog to digital formats during the transition from the 20th to the 21st century. Digital media can easily be replicated, downloaded, revised, edited, and reposted, and the implications of this are affecting education, government, entertainment, culture, and society. The…

Discusses new laser techniques that make it possible to see optical spectra without Doppler broadening, to label energy levels, and to enhance sensitivity. (MLH)

This program guide identifies primary considerations in the organization, operation, and evaluation of a laser electro-optic technology program. An occupational description and program content are presented. A curriculum framework specifies the exact course title, course number, levels of instruction, major course content, laboratory activities,…

Compares the use of a laser videodisc system in the art classroom to the use of a standard slide projection system. Describes the three levels of interactivity that are possible and discusses methods of use, product availability, and equipment cost. (GEA)

Gives upper level chemistry students a better understanding of the application of lasers in the field of spectroscopy. Provides three experiments to demonstrate the thermal lens effect: determination of beam profile, cell position optimization, and pKa determination. (MVL)