Week 1

Extensive course comments:

• Week 1 we start with a "primer" lab that seems not too deep.
• The first three labs are --Speed of Light, Schawlow's Ruler, and Michelson Interferometer. These set up a common theme--light, division of wavefront, division of amplitude
• You should have looked over several items prior to hitting this page (syllabus, maybe lab schedule-- ).
• Most course material is posted from this "Weekly Assignments page".
• places for course work
  • Data is taken in the new science building room 3063---I am learning the ins and outs of this new room
  • Spots.augusta.edu/tcolbert---course materials
  • We meet in either electronics or physics II lab room for various lectures, and then move into laser lab for demonstrations
  • YOUR data acquisition is scheduled throughout the week in the LASER lab with your partner.
  • You should all have card swipe access to the building and laser lab (also the intro lab prep room to get into any 3 rooms across the hall)
  • You will almost certainly need to go back and redo data acquistition on some labs

Overview:

• Lab reports are written in LaTeX----mostly---I am OK with Word, but, .....
• Labs are handed in on paper on time. I may ask for electronic copy (PDF) TBA.
• There are often other supporting documents in the other columns on colberts assignments page (no book, these are often your needed reference materials)
• I will keep ahead on lab material postings
• The page contains Laser Safety Training
  • You must download and read the Laser Safety Training
  • You must sign the sheet saying you have done so (that is a HW) NOW NOW NOW
  • You must follow safety protocols when using Lasers.
• There are numerous support docs such as manuals (Laser manual, And-Michelson manual [not our instrument but useful], other), reference papers and materials, instructions for LaTeX...and more
• Your completed ANALYSIS, and FINAL PAPERS, ---are pdf produced by LaTeX (or word)--one file only--talk to me if you are using other tools
• Note the --Lab Notebook---Analysis Draft Grading---and Final Draft Grading forms. Those are instructions for how to prepare each graded item.
  • In general I will check your lab notebook if needed during the oral review component of each lab.
  • You will have the lab --messed up, and have 30 minutes to get some sample data and do instructed back of envelope.
  • You will have your lab notebook (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS3612EIcF4) ---you'll do fine!
• Being late in any manner is not acceptable ---that goes for handing in work or attendance.
  • I'll try to make sure I announce if days are free for data acquisition or not.
  • In general I expect you will be using scheduled class/lab time to do work for this course---
• Usually during data collection weeks some students will sign up for data acquisition during "so called class times on Tues, Wed"---(I may call you out of lab for needed lecture).
  • Other non data collection weeks we use the times for things like peer reviews, lab demonstration, discussion of theory or troubleshooting.---plan on meeting.
• I have attempted to give a stable and accommodating schedule for each lab assignment (see syllabus or weekly comments)
• Data is taken at your assigned time---You and your rotating partner will sign up for lab times.
• Some HW may have you work with sample data and analysis---
  • Usually such work is done prior to completing a lab--
  • HW may demonstrate either some analysis, theory, or deeper issues surrounding an experiment than you cover in your lab reports.
  • I'll do my best to tell you how to do the work.

Let's start

• HW1 Complete Laser Safety Training HW ---NOW---Fill out form and hand to me. --go back one link and see assignments page.
  • Due by Wed start of class---find me.
• HW2 Error Analysis complete exercise 1, 2,3 Due Wed. Jan 15th start of meeting time.

I'll be working on getting the most current version of Origin Pro installed (not the network is sort of back up). Network licensing allows for 3 users at any given time. Do not leave open. This is a powerful data analysis tool and makes graphing a breeze. If you wish you may graph using .....other, but some tools are on origin which you will be unable to duplicate.

On the assignments page look across the row for "week 1" and look at sample AJP format papers, Lab 1 instructions for speed of light, Laser safety training HW (watch the video's linked---if our Laser safety updates Flash video's I'll let you know, read, fill out paper work). You've been given a suitable template for formatting your papers. Use the LaTeX Revtex4-2 template--it will serve you well.

Course Goals:      In the course we will examine several physics concepts involving optics, modern physics, and other physics topics.  The course derives from labs that took place as part of both Modern Physics and Optics courses. We will examine and confront some of the issues involved in data acquisition and analysis.  Students will see a lab write up format which is roughly aligned with journal writing (AJP).  Data analysis and propagation of error (uncertainties) will be discussed during lectures and are also discussed in handouts.  Experimentation is often a skill that develops only with broad experience and with exposure to a variety of circumstances; such experience and exposure is a major focus of the course (rather than a specific lab topic). We are treating your lab experience as a formal research journal paper production activity.

I'll be posting notes on each of the first three labs---Look for them appearing on the spots page.