| Projects for Returning Students |
| High-Resolution Spectroscopy.
Tune up the spectrometer; then observe fine structure using a
CCD detector. |
| Curie Point of a
Ferro-Electric.
Measure the variation of the capacitance of a piezoelectric electret
as it makes a second-order phase transition.
|
| The Cavendish Experiment.
Carry out one of the most delicate laboratory measurements ever made,
to determine the mass of the earth!
|
| The Double-Slit Diffraction
Pattern. Use real-time computer control and data acquisition to
observe single-slit and double-slit diffraction simulaneously.
|
| The Mossbauer Effect.
Measure exquisitely fine Doppler shifts of nuclear gamma rays, using
a multi-channel scaler.
|
| The SQUID.
Observe the transition of a high-temperature superconductor, then use
it as a SQUID magnetometer.
|
| Semiconductor Energy Gap.
Use the thermal variation of a diode's leakage current to determine
the energy gap of germanium.
|
| Microwaves.
Observe polarization and inverse-square law for microwaves. Make a
paraffin lens.
|
| Sonoluminescence.
Investigate production of light by resonant ultrasound waves.
Warning - we aren't sure how to do this.
|
| Electron Spin Resonance.
Project involving microwaves; not really an operating experiment
yet.
|
| Amplifier Noise.
Wire up a low-noise amplifier and measure the Johnson noise due
to thermal fluctuations in a resistor.
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