- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
L1-32. Visible Laser
Purpose
To show what the inside of a laser looks like, and to show that the laser removes lots of spectral components from◙the light in the tube and only lets one wavelength out.
Equipment
Laser with case removed mounted in clear plastic tube, white card, diffraction gratings.
Suggestions
This one is best for individual viewing by a few people at a time.
Images
Description
The metal cover has been removed from a weak helium-neon laser, allowing the internal components to be seen, including the tube and the mirrors. Using a hand-held diffraction grating the light from in the tube can be seen to have a large number of spectral components. The light outside hits a white screen; looking at the spot with the grating shows that it is monochromatic, illustrating the lasing action.
References
N. R. Isenor, Mechanical Model of a Q-Switched Laser, AJP 37, 1159-1160 (1969). ◙H. Weichel, W. A. Danne, and L. S. Pedrotti, Laser Safety in the laboratory, AJP 42, 1006-1013 (1974). ◙R. C. Nicklin, Laser vs Light Bulb Power Comparison, AJP 43, 111 (1975). ◙D. G. H. Andrews and D. R. Tilley, A computer model of laser action in the teaching of computational physics, AJP 59, 536-541◙(1991). ◙Michael E. Knotts, Apparatus for Teaching Physics: Making Laser Beams Visible, TPT 31, 402-403 (1993).
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments