Fiber optic communications (communications over very pure glass transmission channels of diameter comparable to a human hair) is an emerging technology which promises most improvements in communications capacity at reasonable cost. The fiber transmission system offers many desirable characteristics representing improvements over conventional…

Describes a laboratory experiment in which the experimental data agree well with the empirical law. Demonstrates that transparent materials reflect light. (CP)

At the University of Southern California solar-access design research project, Barry Knowles and students have devised a solar envelope: the largest volumetric container over a land parcel that allows solar access to all adjacent neighbors within useful time constraints. (Author/MLF)

Explains how to construct a three dimensional model for stereographic projection. It will be suitable for presenting the symmetry of crystal systems, and will help physics students understand the nature of crystallography. (GA)

Provides a description of the development, properties, and operation of laser beams. (CP)

Describes a method of making simple transmission gratings by photographing the interference fringes generated by an interferometer. (SL)

Discusses interactions between electromagnetic radiation and matter, the concept of fluctuating atomic or molecular dipoles, light-scattering, absorption, and photoluminescence. (SL)

Describes a procedure for modifying an interferometer which compensates for distortions when making interferograms. (SL)

Describes experiments demonstrating the Josephson effect, single-file diffusion in biological membranes, refractive index of beer, lines of magnetic fields, indexing diffraction patterns, Maxwell's equations, and spherical aberration. (SL)

The use of green, red, and far-red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources for plant physiological studies is outlined and evaluated. Indicates that LED lamps have the advantage over conventional light sources in that they are lightweight, low-cost, portable, easily constructed, and do not require color filters. (Author/DH)

Discusses the properties of laser light, reviews types of lasers, presents operating principles, and considers mechanical aspects of laser light production. Applications reviewed include spectroscopy, photochemical reaction initiation, and investigation of biological processes involving porphyrins. (JM)

A television set, piece of aluminum foil, and meter stick can be used to estimate the speed of light within a few percentage points. The activity provides students with success and generates interest in physical optics. Steps in the experiment are outlined along with suggestions for obtaining accurate results. (DH)

Discusses how the sun's reflection from water offers a means for calculating sloped of waves. Experiments using angles of reflection from a tilted mirror are suggested and explained. A method of counterbalancing dominoes in a stack beyond the edge of a table (using Euler's constant) is also described. (DH)

Although polarimeters that illustrate rotation of plane-polarized light by chiral solutions have been previously described, the polarimeter described in this paper has certain advantages when used in conjunction with an overhead projector. Instructions for constructing this polarimeter and its use in demonstrating the optical activity of sugars…

Describes (1) oil slick interference rings in the laboratory; (2) cracking of glass by impact; (3) multipurpose prism for refractometry and light path demonstrations; and (4) determination of liquid densities and volumes of solid bodies by the reaction force on a vessel. Procedures used and equipment needed are discussed. (JN)