Physics 147 - Maker Optics

Makers are doers, inventors, builders, or creators who learn as they go. Here we will take that approach with optics in this project-based course. The semester will begin with discussions of the principles of optics and with exercises to improve students’ skills in computer-assisted design, laser alignment, data acquisition, and technical communication. At the same time, students will be creating their own optical system and testing their skills. In the second half of the semester, students will explore, design, and build a second optical system in either holography, interferometry, optical information processing, laser optics, fiber optics, or a topic of their choice. The class is open to both science and non-science majors. Two projects and a final paper. Two class meetings per week. If over-enrolled, students will be asked to provide a paragraph stating why they would like to be in the course.

Requisite: PHYS 116. Limited to 12 students. Spring semester. Assistant Professor Carter.