Introductory Research in Optical Physics. Two lect., one 3-hour lab plus variable unsupervised labs each week. Students design and build their own experiments using a modular type of optical research kit. Experiments cover basic research methods in instrument design, laser physics, Fourier optics, holography, spectroscopy, and interferometry. Students learn how to plan major projects and evaluate critically the significance of results.
Course concludes with a four-week major project.
Prereq., PHYS 3330 . Introduction to Plasma Physics. Same as APAS 4150 . Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Examines relationship of statistical to thermodynamic points of view.