Major instrumental concerns in molecular solution fluorimetry have recently turned away from sensitivity enhancement to an orientation more directed toward selectivity. This trend simply recognizes that such methodology has historically been blank limited. Thus, the described uses of liquid chromatography, line narrowing, and time resolution…

Discusses two newer methods in mass spectrometry and shows how they can increase signal and signal-to-noise ratios, respectively. The first method, desorption ionization (DI), increases sensitivity while the second method, mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS), increases specificity. Together, the two methods offer improved analytical…

Describes the historical development, performance characteristics (sample requirements, analysis time, ionization characteristics, speciation capabilities, and figures of merit), and applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry. (JN)

Describes experiments and apparatus to: (1) allow astronomy students to test resolution limit of their eyes at several wavelengths; (2) analyze laser mode phases by interferometry; (3) demonstrate a Cartesian diver with an overhead projector; and (4) generate conical beams of light for smoke-chamber demonstrations. (JN)

Following a brief introduction, an annotated listing of literature and teaching aids on lasers is presented. Categories include: Background Materials; Historical References; General References and Textbooks; Specialized References; Reviews; Articles; Films; Laser Courses; Equipment, Demonstrations, and Experiments; Laser Safety; and Lasers and…

Described is a way for an amateur to build a mercury-vapor ion laser which was devised by Dean Morelli. Morelli's laser emits bright pulses of green light and dimmer pulses of red-orange light and is the first gaseous-ion laser. (Author/DS)

Described is the phasor method of superposition of waves. The intensity pattern from a system of microwave sources is calculated point by point on a plane corresponding to a film emulsion, and then printed and directly converted to a hologram for 3-cm microwaves. Calculations, construction, and viewing of holograms are included. (Author/DS)

Using a photon-counting technique, finds the angular distribution of emitted and detected power and the total radiated power of an arbitrary moving source, and uses the technique to verify the predicted effect of the earth's motion through the cosmic blackbody radiation. (Author/GA)

Investigates the effect of the nonuniform irradiance across a laser beam on diffraction of the beam, specifically the Fraunhofer diffraction of a laser beam with a Gaussian irradiance profile as it passes through a circular aperture. (GA)

Describes the following: use and construction of a lens-pinhole spatial filter assembly to produce expanded beams; how to modify a unilab V. L. F. oscillator to give variable frequencies between .1 Hz and 10 Hz; to use Crookes radiometer quantitatively; and an externally located, movable probe for plasma physics experiments, using conventional…

Presents an examination of graphical displays of solutions to time-dependent Schrodinger equation modeling a laser-excited three-level atom. It suggests that an energy level may be regarded as virtual when it is detuned from resonance by more than two Rabi frequencies. (Author/HM)

Describes a technique that uses a helium neon laser, a steel rule, a wooden rule, and a piece of paper to measure the diameter of a hair using the diffraction of light. Details on technique, mathematics, and sources of error are provided. (DDR)

Describes the theory and application of an atomic fountain which pushes the atoms by laser pulses. Discusses the applications in measuring atomic properties and in building an atomic clock. (YP)

Describes the effects when a clear toothbrush is used as total internally reflecting light pipe when attached to a laser. Several explanations are given describing the nonuniformity of the transmitted light resulting from surface and internal irregularities found in the toothbrush. (MVL)

Describes nine basic experiments that demonstrate the wave nature of light and the optical properties of water. Finds that a laser pointer works well as a light source in the laboratory. (CCM)