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

Presents experiments with polarized light for grades 8-12 which can produce colorful effects with a minimum of equipment and can illustrate many principles of physics, chemistry, and geology. (MKR)

Provides a brief account of early attempts to concentrate the sun's radiation for heating purposes and reports on 20th-century attempts to do the same, including the solar furnace in the French Pyrenees. Includes a discussion of the solar constant and its applications. (DDR)

Describes an experiment producing a visible spectrum with inexpensive equipment available in the physics classroom. Discusses some related equations, apparatus settings, and instructional methods. (YP)

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

This article reports on a study that was designed to describe prospective elementary teachers' prior verbal and diagrammatic knowledge about various aspects of light, seeing, shadows, and mirror images. Data were collected through individual interviews using simple apparatus. Included are some inferences about how students' ideas may have emerged…

Describes the construction and use of an electrooptic apparatus that can be incorporated into the classroom to test liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and introduce students to experiments of an applied physics nature with very practical implications. Presents experiments that give students hands-on experience with technologies of current interest to…

Describes the construction and operation of an apparatus used to study the optical properties of solids using reflection. (JRH)

Describes the function of the various parts of the microscope and their integration in the formation of an optical image. Presents a procedure for setting up a microscope to obtain maximum resolution and contrast for each objective lens at all magnifications. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration used to give meaning to the terms node, amplitude, wavelength, and quantization. (JRH)

Describes an inexpensive fog machine that is useful for photography and laser demonstrations. The apparatus uses liquid nitrogen to chill steam to make a fine mist safe for precision optics. The device can be made for around $50. (MVL)

Presents the Night Spectra Quest, a pocket-sized chart that identifies in color the spectra of all the common night lights and has an integrally mounted, holographic diffraction grating to look through. (JRH)

Presents a quick, convenient method to determine the index of refraction as well as a unique application of the laser. (ZWH)

Provides a demonstration using an overhead projector and colloidal mixture to produce a red sunset. Uses an opal to make blue, clear, and red sky effects. (MVL)

Provides a method for making brighter ray-tracing techniques for optics demonstrations. Uses common optical equipment and no longer needs the commercial ray box. (MVL)