Manhattan College Experimental Optics Laboratories
Experimental physics is an important component of the undergraduate physics major at Manhattan College. To that end the Physics Department maintains two laboratories dedicated to experimental optics. The Optics Laboratory is where sophomore majors conduct experiments to compliment their theoretical understanding of the material. Topics include geometrical optics (lenses and mirrors), polarization, interference, interferometry, diffraction, spectroscopy, fiber optics, and lasers. Students have a wide variety of equipment for their studies.
Advanced sophomore level experiments and junior/senior level research problems are conducted in the Laser Laboratory using equipment that can be found in Industrial or Research Laboratories. Students have access to automated data acquisition, lock-in amplifiers, higher power lasers, spectrum analyzers and other equipment and components. Experiments are designed to address current issues in optical science. Recent studies include interferometry and acousto-optics. Students learn how to conduct experiments with a minimum of supervision, use research equipment, collect and analyze data, and present results. These are the skills needed to conduct industrial or academic research.
Photonics and Optics are among the hottest fields in today's technological arena. Manhattan College is well positioned to provide students with a thorough background in this exciting yet fundamental field. The Optics and Laser Laboratories of the Physics Department have been funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and new equipment is procured every year. Prof. Bruce Liby, who has many years' experience in laser and optics research, teaches optics.
Optics (Phys 250) and Advanced Optics Lab (Phys 253) are required for physics majors. Engineering and other science majors can also take these classes. In them, the basic principles of optics are explored and fundamental laboratory techniques are developed.
Further study in optics can be pursued in Research Problems (Phys and 353 and 354) where students can more fully develop their understanding of light. These courses are arranged with the instructor and the topics to be considered are mutually decided by the professor and the student. They can be designed to fit a particular student's interests, abilities, and needs. Both theory and experiment are valid research areas. The facilities for all of the above courses include the optics lab, the laser lab, and a separate study room.
Currently, Prof. Liby is interested in the study of photorefractive materials, especially Barium Titanate. These interesting crystals respond strongly to laser light and can be used to construct images, to transfer information from one laser beam to another, for optical storage, and many other purposes. Most importantly, they are fun to work with and accessible to the understanding and capabilities of undergraduates. Research projects are not limited to this; however, any topic of interest can be investigated. The laser lab is equipped with numerous lasers including a nitrogen-pumped dye laser, Nd:YAG laser, semiconductor lasers, and the ubiquitous Helium-Neon lasers. Computerized data acquisition is available, along with such equipment as power meters, digital oscilloscopes, and other modern equipment.
Page last updated January 2005
