Return of Quantum Optics Lab!

The Physics Department at California State Univeristy Los Angeles will offer Physics 492 again during the Fall Quarter of 2014.  The class schedule is MW 7:50 PM, room BIOS 244.  As in the past we will start the evening in the classroom and then move to the laboratory for work on the optical table, finishing up around 10 PM.

The class pursues a strategy combining a real-world lab environment, professional and academic skills development, and exploring the quantum 2-state system via exercises, lectures and table top laser experiments.

Lab 17

Lab 17 is the class wrap-up, the traditional trip down memory lane with bonus topics.  Meet in the classroom.  Attendance is mandatory.  There is some essential paperwork.

Final pdf's of your presentation slides are due to me via email by the end of the night.  I will package them all up onto CD's for distribution next Monday evening.  These are the versions you will present.  From all indications, they are going to be pretty good.

I am planning to have open lab at 5 PM (not 4) for an hour.

Lab 16

For Lab 16 we will meet in the lab.  There is no classroom session.

In Lab 16 we build and get fringes on a Sagnac interferometer, which forms the basis for laser ring gyros.  There is no prep as this is just a familiarization exercise.  Upon its completion you will have the skills to construct the three main types of interferometers.  Be sure to capture the build in your lab notebook.

Lab will be open Sunday 1-6.

Project schedule update

I am noticing that the dates noted earlier for the final presentation were not right.  Seems the end of the quarter is sneaking up faster than I thought.

Presentations will be given December 3 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the scheduled final examination time in the classroom.  Feel free to invite friends, family.

Your final pdfs are due on Wednesday November 28.  Please be sure your plans reflect this.

Lab 15

Lab 15 Briefing Material (pdf file)

Lab 15 Prep:

1.  Download the briefing materials and read them.  Perform the work needed for items #2 and #4.  Record results in your lab notebook.  In lab you will carry out these procedures and calculations.

2.  You will need to determine the thickness of the microscope slide with a micrometer.   We have a bunch of slides but the micrometer has a minimum jaw width of 1 inch (maximum is 2 inches).  Think of at least one way that this seemingly unfortunate circumstance is an opportunity for higher precision.

3.  Generate an error budget containing at least 4 important contributions.  How accurate do you expect your refractive index measurement to be (numerically, as a percentage)?

Don't forget slide titles are due as well - emailed to me.  Take note that your presentations will only be 10 minutes long.  So you will only need a small handful of slides.  5 would be a lot.  Those of you in teams identify who will present which slides.

Also:  those of you who need equipment for your projects from the Physics storeroom be sure to work with Brian and Al to arrange its use asap.  They are expecting you and waiting to be helpful to you.

Lab 14

Lab 14 Briefing Package (pdf file)

Lab prep involves notebooks and your final project.

Lab notebooks:  those of you who did not get a bye, please be prepared for notebook review

Project / Final Presentation:  Prepare a page that...

• Succinctly describes the project
• Identifies your project team
• Estimates the amount of table time needed
• Estimates the amount of other time needed
• Presents a schedule of activities that delivers a pdf version on the last day of classes
• Includes a plan to obtain any needed equipment not in the lab
• You email to me and have available in class for review

I have scheduled a large number of open lab hours between now and when the final presentation pdfs are due.  These are listed in the immediately previous post.  

Open Lab Hours

Open lab this week:

   Monday 4-6 & after class

   Tuesday 4-6 & 7-9

   Wednesday 4-6 & after class

   Sunday 1-6 by appointment

   

Open lab next week:

   Monday 4-6 & after class

   Tuesday 4-6 & 7-9

Since open lab hours are limited, please plan your project work to be efficient on the table.