Describes an experiment that involves measuring the intensity of laser light passed by a linear polarizer. Discusses polarization effects, orthogonal polarizations, instrumentation, and further experiments. (JRH)

Presents a participation activity for students of all ages that stimulates the processes that occur in the build-up of a laser pulse. Exposes students to the concepts of coherence, monochromaticity, stimulated emission, pulse build-up from background fluctuations, and the properties that dictate the shape of a typical laser pulse. (JRH)

Describes the use of a laser pointer to measure the speed of light by incorporating the phase delay between a modulated split beam of light. (JRH)

Describes the use of free-electron lasers as a source of coherent radiation over a broad range of wavelengths from the far-infrared to the far-ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. Discusses some applications of these lasers, including medicine and strategic defense. (TW)

Presents both a geometric model of the hologram and a step-by-step guide to the procedures involved in making a hologram. (Author/CP)

This article describes the basic physics of several types of holograms and discusses different recording materials in use. Current and possible future applications of holograms are described as well as their large-scale production. (Author)

Provides an alternative method of using water instead of a mirror to create a laser light show. (ZWH)

Describes a holographic method of producing a picture of a real lens, objects, and the virtual image of the objects. (SL)

Provides instructions for preparing, processing, and viewing single-beam reflection holograms in science classrooms. Indicates that the process is simple to demonstrate and moderate in cost. A description of the required equipment (optics table, laser, mirrors, lens, filmholder/plateholder, recording materials, and darkroom chemicals/equipment) is…

Describes simple inexpensive modifications to existing equipment that facilitate the computerization of interference and diffraction experiments done in introductory laboratory courses. (JRH)

A procedure for measuring the speed of light using the assumption that the frequency of light remains unchanged as it moves from one medium to another is presented. A laser with a known wavelength and frequency in air was used as a light source. (KR)

Describes various methods of rendering visible the paths followed by a laser beam for direct viewing or for photographic purposes. (Author/GS)

Using the simple optical system and photodiode described in this article it is possible to give clear, quantitative demonstrations of all the Fraunhofer diffraction phenomena at single and multiple apertures. These measurements can be related to the theoretical predictions given in standard textbooks. Circuit diagram and optical layout are…

Discusses the study of interference patterns with Michelson's interferometer using a laser beam rather than a sodium arc as a light source. (MLH)

Describes an alternate method of demonstrating thin film interference fringes with a laser by using a microscope slide glass cover. (MKR)