Discusses the use of laser spectroscopy in determining the presence of specific gaseous constituents. Three of currently used modes for laser detection of pollution are reviewed; (1) long-path measurements; (2) laser raman (differential absorption) measurements; and (3) optoacoustic detection. (HM)

Describes a currently used picosecond spectroscopy system capable of reliably recording picosecond events. Two areas of picosecond research are discussed: one concerns the interaction of electrons in fluids; the second, the primary events in vision. (Author/HM)

Provides a chronicle of the use of luminescence spectrometry as an analytic device. Describes present-day applications of the technique. (CP)

This method of image enchancement and real-time imput of 3-D microscopic objects into an optical pattern recognition system is designed to identify and count diatoms as a means of water pollution assessment. The method consists of directing a low-power laser beam into a microscope to produce a coherent image of the specimen. (Author/BB)

Describes an experiment revealing a visual latency effect produced by the wearing of sunglasses. (SL)

Describes a seven piece modular optical hit which can be utilized to demonstrate different optical instruments and a method for observing interference fringes from the surface of a mirror. (SL)

Discusses the instruction of lens optics, object and image distances, radius of curvatures, and indexes of refraction. (SL)

Describes a simple experiment to verify the reflectivity equations of Fresnel and for measurement of optical constants. (SL)

Discusses the application of the tunneling interpretation to the study of guided light waves. (MLH)

Traces the history of the so-called optical theorem in scattering theory from its beginning over 100 years ago to recent applications of its generalizations. (MLH)

Describes a demonstration in which shadowgraphs display objects passing through thermally stratified water having a refractive index that varies with height. (MLH)

Ten laboratory exercises on optics are described to clarify concepts involving point objects and converging lenses producing real images. Mathematical treatment is kept to a minimum to stress concepts involved. (PS)

Describes an undergraduate optics laboratory experiment to verify the law of intensity in the Fesnel diffraction of a thin wire. A gas laser as light source and a photocell as detector scan the diffraction pattern. The agreement with the theoretical pattern is remarkably good. (Author/TS)