Presents an overview of the construction techniques of dye lasers suitable for student projects and briefly describes possible laboratory projects. (JN)

Describes a compact solar camera built as a one-semester student project. This camera is used for taking pictures of the sun and moon and for direct observation of the image of the sun on a screen. (Author/HM)

Describes a concrete model for teaching the concepts of reflection and refraction without the use of formal mathematics. The model has been tested in five sections of a physics course for nonscience majors at Towson State University, Baltimore, Maryland. (HM)

Described are several experiments, for a course in geometrical optics or for a college physics laboratory, which have a bearing on ophthalmic optics. Experiments include the single thin prism, crossed prisms, and the prismatic power of a lens. (Author/DS)

Describes the construction of a 17th-century telescope using old lenses and compares observations using this instrument with Galileo's observations. Describes experiments with modern eyepieces, the educational value of the activity, and given recommendations for construction of similar telescopes. (JN)

Describes: (1) a seven-segment LED display successfully used as an "illuminated" object for introductory optics experiments and advantages for its use; (2) a series/parallel circuit demonstration especially useful in introductory courses for nonmajors; and (3) a method for igniting a sodium arc lamp with an incandescent lamp. (JN)

Examines how quasi-history, by eliminating the social dimension, distorts its description of major scientific advances in one of two distinct ways; either almost trivial or almost mystical. Uses two examples, Einstein's theory of the photoelectric effect and Planck's discovery of his law. (GA)

Presents a general treatment of scalar diffraction theory and discusses some concepts which yield new insight into the phenomena of diffraction throughout the whole space in which it occurs. (Author/HM)

Presents the answer to a question, which is intended for high school students, about the dispersion of white light by a glass prism. Why the high frequency waves travel slower than the lower frequencies in glass is also presented. (HM)

Describes a guided inquiry activity that addresses the law of reflection. Laboratory experiment is included. (DKM)

Provides an activity for determining the relationship between the displacement of light rays passing through a plate of transparent material and the angle of refraction for the material. Describes related concepts and skills, prerequisites, objectives, rationale, content background, lesson outline, worksheet, evaluation, teacher notes, and…

Described are three experiments on the photometric, Gaussian, and image-forming properties of a helium-neon gas laser. Details of the experimental method and typical calculations with diagrams and graphs are provided. (YP)

Discusses a laboratory exercise simulating the paths of light rays through spherical water drops by applying principles of ray optics and geometry. Describes four parts: determining the output angles, computer simulation, explorations, model testing, and solutions. Provides a computer program and some diagrams. (YP)

Discussed is the historic development of Snell's law and derivation of the law without using mathematical expressions. Describes laboratory procedures using diagrams. (YP)

Explains the problem of analyzing a phase object, separating the contribution due to thickness variations and that due to refractive index variations. Discusses the design of an interferometer and some applications. Provides diagrams and pictures of holographic images. (YP)