As part of this program development. 2000 square feet of laboratory space has been renovated to house the new Optical Science and Engineering Laboratory. This student laboratory includes five 4' by 8' floating optical tables. As shown in the figure, one section of the lab is equipped with movable chairs for classroom lectures.
Students use the work benches for assembling optical components, soldering, sample preparation, etc.
Each optical table has its own portable computer equipped with GPIB and RS232 interfaces and a portable equipment rack on wheels for storing electronics such as lock-in amplifiers, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc. Wherever appropriate, the laboratory equipment is interfaced to the computer for easy experimental control, data acquisition and data analysis. The portability of the computer and equipment rack permits students optimal access to the optical table. The purpose of this small class size is to ensure that students get extensive, hands-on experience in setting up, diagnosing and testing optical components and systems. Currently, the only type of laser source used in the undergraduate labs is the He-Ne laser which is safe, easy to use, and inexpensive.