Explores some of the principles behind the working of fluorescent bulbs using a specially prepared fluorescent bulb with the white inner fluorescent coating applied along only half its length. Discusses the spectrum, the bulb plasma, and light production. (JRH)

Explains the physical principles which result in various colors of the sky. Topics addressed include: blueness, mystical properties of water vapor, ozone, fluctuation theory of scattering, variation of purity and brightness, and red sunsets and sunrises. (DH)

Uses a diode array spectrometer to explain why blue objects appear red when viewed through the yellowish amber lens of "blue blocking" sunglasses. (JRH)

Describes an exercise that allows the measurement of the sizes of biological samples by means of the diffraction of light. (JRH)

Provides instructions for producing a spectrum in the secondary science classroom. Offers suggestions for using the spectrum and discusses how to make a rainbow using a garden hose or houseplant sprayer. (JN)

Presents a simple method of analysis in which the student can integrate, point by point, any interferogram to obtain its Fourier transform. The manual technique requires no special equipment and is based on relationships that most undergraduate physics students can derive from the Fourier integral equations. (Author/MLH)

This is a textbook of Fourier optics for the classroom or self-study. Major topics included in the 38 chapters are: Huygens' principle and Fourier transforms; image formation; optical coherence theory; coherent imaging; image analysis; coherent noise; interferometry; holography; communication theory techniques; analog optical computing; phase…

Examines techniques used to make ultrasensitive spectroscopic measurements. They include excitation, thermal lens, photo acoustic, and ionization spectroscopies. Guidelines and methods are provided for each technique; common uses and applications are explained. (DH)

Describes an experiment for the measurement of the reflectances of dielectric surface. The experiment is analyzed in terms of the Stokes parameters and the Mueller calculus, and Malus law is derived. The experiment also provides an introduction to the properties of real linear polarizers. (Author/GA)

Describes how astrophysics can be a do-it-yourself project within a school boy's budget and background, by giving detailed instruction on equipment construction. In addition, this article describes many experiments to undertake, with the equipment, such as determining color temperature, star spectra, chemical composition and others. (BR)

Discusses some basic physical ideas about light scattering and describes a simple Raman spectrometer, a single prism monochromator and a multiplier detector. This discussion is intended for British undergraduate physics students. (HM)

Traces the development of instruments used in spectrophotometry. Discusses how spectrophotometric measurements are made. Describes the color comparator, the filter photometer, and the spectrophotometer. Outlines the evolution of optical systems, including light sources, the monochromator, the photodetector, double-beam optics, and split-beam…

Describes an apparatus (called the "Rainbow Cup") used for demonstrating the colored rings produced by constructive interference in soap films. Discusses construction of the Rainbow Cup and gives hints for its use in the classroom, especially in relation to classroom humidity. (JM)

Uses a projector, a prism, and two screens to demonstrate the composition of white light and detect color. (MDH)

Describes several methods of executing lecture demonstrations involving the recombination of the spectrum. Groups the techniques into two general classes: bringing selected portions of the spectrum together using lenses or mirrors and blurring the colors by rapid movement or foreshortening. (JM)