Presents a mathematical treatment of optical propagation in crystals as an eigenvalue problem involving a real symmetrical dyadic. (MLH)

Describes optics demonstrations that use a mirror mounted on a laser pointer. Can be used to demonstrate reflection from plane or curved surfaces, refraction, and Snell's law. (Author/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 a measurement lab that introduces measurement and presents a simple example of how to use error analysis with an obvious illustration of its value. The experiment measures the diameters of pinhole images of the sun and uses them to calculate the heights of the leafy canopy that created the images. (JRH)

Describes the theory behind the workings of the Hubble Space Telescope, the spherical aberration in the primary mirror that caused a reduction in image quality, and the corrective device that compensated for the error. (JRH)

Describes the construction and purpose of stress patterns that are easily observed in the rear windows of most cars. Presents an explanation for why we are able to see these stress patterns. (ZWH)

The relationship between theories about electrical conductivity in microscopic wires and laser speckle patterns is described. Practical applications of laser speckle patterns are included. Wave ideas are being used to describe and predict novel phenomena in disordered solids. (KR)

Presents an illusional arena by offering experience in optical illusions in which students must apply critical analysis to their innate information gathering systems. Introduces different types of depth illusions for students to experience. (ASK)

Examines the simultaneous occurrence of ultraviolet light and the photoelectric effect. (CCM)

The tongue is critical in the production of speech, yet its nature has made it difficult to measure. Not only does its ability to attain complex shapes make it difficult to track, it is also largely hidden from view during speech. The present article describes a new combination of optical tracking and ultrasound imaging that allows for a…

A simple blind spot activity has been devised to help students discard misconceptions about image formation by lenses. Our hands-on experiment, in which students determine the location and size of their blind spots, is suitable for various age groups at different educational levels. The activity provides an opportunity to teach students how to…

During the 17th century, Baroque decoration used anamorphism to combine actual architectural elements with illusionistic painting. When viewed from a particular point in space, the architecture blends with painting to form a combined image. In this article, Julian Beever, a leading anamorphic pavement artist, explains to the author the principles…

Ocean Optics offers laser-induced breakdown spectrometer systems (LIBS) that can be used to identify light to heavy metals in a variety of sample types and geometries in environmental analysis applications. LIBS are versatile, real-time, high-resolution analyzers for qualitative analysis, in less than one second, of every element in solids,…

This pilot study documents the design and evaluation results of an innovative teaching approach with the use of ICT regarding the optics concepts of light reflection and diffusion, and vision in Greek primary school. First there was a survey of 140 students to ascertain their initial ideas regarding these concepts. On the basis of the results of…

We have developed two kinds of optical experiments: color mixture and fluorescence, using mini-torches with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit three primary colors. Since the tools used in the experiments are simple and inexpensive, students can easily retry and develop the experiments by themselves. As well as giving an introduction to basic…