Photonics

Saturday, February 11, 2006

at Pomona College

Schedule

8:30—9:00 a.m.	Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00—9:15 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions
9:15—10:15 a.m.	Prof. David Tanenbaum, “Photonics and Telecommunications”
10:30—11:30 a.m.	Lab Tour and Speed of Light Demonstration
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.	Lunch
12:30—1:45 p.m.	Activity: Communicating with Light
2:00—3:15 p.m.	Activity: Diffraction of Light
3:15—3:30 p.m.	Closing and Evaluation

Activities

“Communicating with Light” – This series of station activities introduces the physics of transmitting "voice" information using electromagnetic signals or light. Students explore various aspects of electromagnetic communication from processing to transmitting to receiving. Topics covered in this lab include: signal modulation, signal switching, signal analysis, fiber optics, reflection, refraction, critical angle, and signal conversion. The stations all relate to the topic of electromagnetic means of communication and require that the instructor connect the stations of activities into the central theme of communication. Kit will be available on loan from Pomona lending library.

“Diffraction of Light” – The diffraction and interference of light is a direct and tangible experiment of the wave properties of light. Furthermore, diffraction is at the root of many technologies, scientific techniques and common visual phenomena. Using a laser pointer, students examine diffraction patterns from a range of objects. The diffraction from metal meshes gives quantitative confirmation of the wave nature of light. Students then measure the track spacing on CDs and DVDs and the width of their hair using the wave model of light. Finally, students are asked to apply their experience of light diffraction to electron and X-ray diffraction images of matter. Kit will be available on loan from Pomona lending library.

There is no charge for the workshop but a refundable deposit is required.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Five and one-half contact hours will be awarded for participation.

Complete the Registration Form , print it on your printer and mail to:

Linda Clougherty
CIPT
632 Clark Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Back to the Top