Describes high school physics laboratory experiments that use lasers to show that a diffraction pattern is a Fourier analysis of the slit function. (MLH)

Discusses a new branch of optical spectroscopy that deals with the optical analogs of spin transients and provides ways to explore dynamic interactions in optically excited materials. (MLH)

Describes procedures for a demonstration of the focal length of spherical lenses and mirrors using an aquarium, a flashlight, and nondairy creamer. Enables nonquantitative three-dimensional observation of these phenomena. (DDR)

Explains why transparency film demonstrates biaxial optical properties. Provides detailed descriptions of the procedure and equipment needed for large-scale optics demonstrations of the polarization interference pattern produced by biaxial crystals. (DDR)

Describes the working of an exhibit in the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum in which separated water drops from two nozzles collide to make interesting shapes. Discusses the calculation of the vibration frequency after the drop breaks away from the nozzle and the effect of drop size and surface tension on this frequency. (JRH)

Describes various demonstrations that illustrate double refraction and rotation of the plane of polarization in stressed, transparent plastics, with the consequent production of colored designs. (ZWH)

Observations of high school physics students in an instructional experiment with an interactive learning environment in geometrical optics indicated that students in the Optics Dynagrams Project went through major conceptual developments as reflected in the diagrams they constructed. (Author/MKR)

Features science concepts with accompanying activities teachers can use in the classroom. Presents a lesson in optics that utilizes optical illusions to illustrate scientific points and allows students to use the following processes: observing, communicating, controlling variables, hypothesizing, and gathering and interpreting data. (ET)

Describes simple inexpensive modifications to existing equipment that facilitate the computerization of interference and diffraction experiments done in introductory laboratory courses. (JRH)

Provides instructions to make a device able to simulate the typical light pulses seen by a photomultiplier tube. Comments on circuit theory, circuit operation, and pedagogical value. (MVL)

Discusses and provides an example of reflectivity approximation to determine whether reflection will occur. Provides a method to show thin-film interference on a projection screen. Also applies the reflectivity concepts to electromagnetic wave systems. (MVL)

Discusses the production of hundreds of pinhole images of a recent eclipse of the sun through the leaf canopy. Provides photograph of the images. (MVL)

Expands upon the popular belief that mirrors cause the left-right reversal of objects placed in front of them. The image-location rule and image-symmetry rule are applied throughout the article to help summarize some important properties of mirror images. (ZWH)

Discussed are some of the topics at the forefront of modern astronomical research. Topics include quasars, black holes, and the beginning of the universe. The uses and types of telescopes are described, both spaceborn and ground based. (KR)

Uses a compact disc (CD) as a grating in spectroscopy experiments. Suggests using the CD with fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent light bulbs, incandescent filament light bulbs, and sodium and mercury vapor lamps. Discusses environmental and economic aspects of fluorescent lighting. (MVL)