Physics Home > Teaching Labs > Optics > Microwave Optics

Topics

Points of Emphasis

Prerequisites

Lab Activities

1. measurement of the wavelength of the microwaves using: (1) a Michelson interferometer, (2) a Fabry-Perot resonator, and/or (3) a diffraction grating each of which is constructed by the students from simple materials provided in the lab; and comparison of the value(s) obtained to the value obtained with the use of a research quality wavemeter;

2. measurement of intensity vs azimuth angle for microwaves passing through various single and double slit apertures; comparison between the experimental and theoretical plots is made;

3. identification of the nature and dimensions of various unknown slit configurations; and

4. a qualitative look at the polarization of the microwaves.

Quantitative results tend to be within 10% of the expected values. The computer programs allow for modeling for use in identifying the dimensions of the unknown.

Course Level

Student Handouts

Equipment

Number of set-ups available: 1 Per lab station: 1 wooden experimental platform/attached metersticks 1 microwave transmitter/attached large horn 1 microwave receiver/attached large horn 1 ruler 1 position attachment 2 unknows 1 instruction book 1 small horn 1 small screwdriver 6 small slotted plate holders 2 large slotted plate holders 2 large slotted unknown holders 1 plate set including: 1 bar 1 double slit plate 2 single slit plate 1 half reflecting plate 2 full reflecting plate 1 polarizing plate Per class: 1 cutaway klystorn 1 cavity wavemeter/small horn 1 platform for cavity wavemeter 1 cart 1 oscilloscope 1 BNC cable/BNC to banana adaptor

Notes

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