The Laser Optics Lab contains more than 30 optical components and accessories for demonstrating the principles of optics in basic courses of physics and physical science. When used in conjunction with any HeNe laser*, the lab enables instructors to provide students an exciting and easily grasped learning experience in lasers and optics.
Sampling of Experiments:
- Investigate reflection, refraction and critical angle.
- Measure wavelengths of light using the techniques of Young, Michelson and Lloyd.
- Construct optical levers to detect and measure minuscule movements that are almost imperceptible to the human eye.
- Test a lens for defects, collimate light and evaluate a person's visual perception skills.
- Capture light in an arcing water jet or a optical fiber and investigate fiber optics phenomena.
- View a hologram, observe interference rings and measure diffraction patterns with a ruler.
- Determine the index of refraction of a liquid or transparent solid by measuring bending in the intense laser beam as it enters or leaves the material.
- Study characteristics of light: wavelength, interference, diffraction and polarization.
One key aspect of this lab is its simple optical bench system that consists of metal components and carriers that magnetically attach to a steel optical table. Experiment set-up is easy, intuitive. The lab's cost also is exceptionally low when compared to that of many conventional optical rails and benches.
| Included is a 68-page, fully-illustrated instruction guide that contains 34 optical, light and laser experiments. All experiments were developed by teachers and thoroughly tested in classrooms. Each experiment contains detailed instructions and illustrations to guide students to successful completion of each demonstration or activity. Experiments demonstrate the refractive, diffractive and other wave properties of light using the unique and visually dramatic characteristics of an HeNe laser. In addition to guiding the student through exercises in light and optics, the booklet also explains the theory of laser operation, aspects of laser construction and laser safety.
Laser Optics Lab includes three lenses, four mirrors, coated beam splitter, equilateral prism, optical beam spreader, air wedge, transmission hologram, diffraction mosaic, diffraction grating, fiber optic light guide, pair of glass interference plates, polarizing and color filters. The lab also contains an optics bench system consisting of metal component carriers, steel optical table, magnetic strips, full-color instruction and experiment guide. |
* Diode lasers or pointers are not recommended for lab because they will produce marginal results in diffractive experiments requiring a very narrow optical spectrum.
Specifications
CDRH Classification
Polarization
Laser emission color
Laser mode
Operating
Unit
Value
Input Voltage
V
Input Current
mA
Wavelength
nm
Optical output power, nominal
mW
Power, (min/max)
mW
/
Beam Diameter
mm
Beam Divergence
mRad
Digital Bandwidth
Hz
Analog Bandwidth
Hz
Mechanical
Unit
Value
Operating Temperature
° C
Housing
cm