Past Programs
Photonics
Workshop
Registration deadline: March 7, 2005
Presented by the Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT)
Cornell University
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Activities
| 8:30—9:00 a.m. | Registration and Continental Breakfast Location: Atrium Corson Hall |
| 9:00—10:00 a.m. | Prof. Michal Lipson, “Nanophotonics” Location: Morrison Room, Corson Hall |
| 10:15—11:30 a.m. | Lab Tours |
| 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30—1:45 p.m. | Hands-on Activity 1 |
| 2:00—3:15 p.m. | Hands-on Activity 2 |
| 3:15—3:30 p.m. | Closing and Evaluation |
“Communicating Physics: From Telephony to Cell Phones” – This series of activities introduces the physics of transmitting "voice" information using electromagnetic signals or light. Students explore how light can be modulated to encode voice information using a simple version of Bell's original photophone. They observe the decrease of the intensity of open-air signals by increasing the distance between source and receiver, and learn the advantage of using materials with different indices of refraction to manipulate and guide light signals. Finally, students are introduced to the concept of bandwidth by using two different wavelengths of light to send two signals at the same time. Kit available on loan from CIPT lending library.
“Diffraction” – 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. Kits will be given to teachers who attend the workshop.
There is no charge for the workshop. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Five and one-half in-service credits will be awarded for participation.
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