Physics 350 - Experimental Physics

An advanced laboratory course in which students make use of advanced signal recovery methods to design and perform laboratory experiments covering a wide range of topics in modern physics. Available experimental modules include pulsed and CW NMR, optical pumping of atoms, single photon quantum interference, magneto-optical polarization, the Franck-Hertz experiment and the Hall effect. Experimental methods include signal averaging, filtering, modulation techniques and phase-sensitive detection. Students select up to four extended experiments per semester, planning their experiment, preparing equipment, performing measurements, analyzing data and presenting written and/or oral reports. Each module counts for 1 credit. Prerequisites: PHY 215 and PHY 240 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 8 credits. Enrollment limited to 8 per lab section.