This book provides a collection of experiments to introduce lasers into the undergraduate curricula in Chemistry and Physics. A variety of experiments are included with different levels of complexity. All have background information, experimental details and the theoretical background necessary to interpret the results.

Lasers are employed throughout science and technology, in fundamental research in chemistry, physics and engineering, the remote sensing and analysis of atmospheric gases or pollutants, communications, medical diagnostics and therapies, and in various forms of manufacturing, including microelectronic devices. Understanding the principles of the operation of lasers which underlies all of these areas is essential for a modern scientific education. Building on the first edition, Laser Experiments for Chemistry and Physics Second Edition includes experiments with new and improved methods and instrumentation. It explores the characteristics and operation of lasers through laboratory experiments designed for the undergraduate curricula in chemistry and physics. Introductory chapters describe the properties of light, the history of laser invention, the atomic, molecular, and optical principles behind how lasers work and the most important kinds of lasers available today. Other chapters include the basic theory of spectroscopy and computational chemistry used to interpret laser experiments and the applications of lasers in spectroscopy and photochemistry. Experiments range from simple in-class demonstrations to more elaborate configurations for advanced students. Each chapter has historical and theoretical background, as well as options suggested for variations on the prescribed experiments. This text will be useful for undergraduate students in advanced lab classes, for instructors designing these classes, or for graduate students beginning a career in laser science. It can also be used as a supplementary text for courses in molecular spectroscopy or optics.

This book is perfect for science teachers who want to bringone of the most remarkable research tools of the 20th centuryinto their classrooms: the laser. Requiring only a low-cost, low-power laser, the bookpresents a series of experiments for in-class demonstrations orstudent activities

Introduction to Laser Spectroscopy is a well-written, easy-to-read guide to understanding the fundamentals of lasers, experimental methods of modern laser spectroscopy and applications. It provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of many aspects of laser physics, nonlinear optics, and molecular spectroscopy. In addition, by comprehensively combining theory and experimental techniques it explicates a variety of issues that are essential to understanding broad areas of physical, chemical and biological science. Topics include key laser types - gas, solid state, and semiconductor - as well as the rapidly evolving field of ultrashort laser phenomena for femtochemistry applications. The examples used are well researched and clearly presented. Introduction to Laser Spectroscopy is strongly recommended to newcomers as well as researchers in physics, engineering, chemistry and biology.* A comprehensive course that combines theory and practice* Includes a systematic and comprehensive description for key laser types* Written for students and professionals looking to gain a thorough understanding of modern laser spectroscopy

Light scattering has provided an important method for characterizing macro-molecules for at least three decades. Now, through the use of intense, coherent laser light and efficient spectrum analyzers and autocorrelators, experiments in the frequency and time domains can be used to study molecular motion, e.g. diffusion and flow and other dynamic processes, as well as the equilibrium properties of solutions. As a result, laser light scattering has become a powerful form of spectroscopy with applications in physics, biochemistry, and other fields. This volume, which employs a relatively simple approach in order to reach the widest audience, focuses on two main topics: classical light scattering (scattering intensity, concentration dependence, size dependence, and polydispersity) and dynamic light scattering (time and frequency dependence, translational diffusion, directed flow, rotational motion, and more). A series of useful appendixes and a list of references complete this concise, accessible work, a valuable resource for physicists, chemists, and anyone interested in the increasingly important field of laser light scattering.

A collection of experiments to introduce lasers into the undergraduate curricula in chemistry and physics. A variety of experiments are included with different levels of complexity. All have background information, experimental details and the theoretical background necessary to interpret the results.

What is light? Where are optics and photonics present in our lives and in nature? What lies behind different optical phenomena? What is an optical instrument? How does the eye resemble an optical instrument? How can we explain human vision? This book, written by a group of young scientists, answers these questions and many more.