What Are Some Innovative Undergraduate Physics Experiments?

[Millertron]

Hi guys, I'm in my 3rd year of a 4-year masters degree in the UK - I've just come to the end of my lab course for this year and have been encouraged to make suggestions for improvements to the course. I wanted to suggest some new experiments for the convenors to consider and wanted to know the kind of experiments others have undertaken during the latter years of their undergrad studies. As it stands we have the following experiments in the lab:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - conducting NMR in protons

• Electron Spin Resonance - essentially doing a magnetic resonance in a free radical sample in an electromagnet

• Optical Pumping - populating a particular Zeeman substate in Cs and then performing a magnetic resonance on it

• Gamma-ray spectroscopy using a PMT/scintillator

• Beta-Ray spectroscopy

• IR hyperfine Spectroscopy of Rb using a saturating laser

• Optical Spectroscopy

• A generic telescope experiment - telescope/spotter scope setup, investigating resolution, CCD setup, etc etc, and some observations.

• The Stern-Gerlach experiment

As you can see there's a fairly wide selection of experiments there, but most tend to focus on either magnetic resonance or spectroscopy of some kind. I'd be particularly interested in knowing of any astrophysics/astronomical-related experiments you've done, and all experiments should be at a level suitable for students in their third year who will be doing a masters, and should be long enough to run for 5 weeks.

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate your input!

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and suggestions for improving the lab course. As a fellow scientist, I understand the importance of constantly seeking new and innovative experiments to enhance our learning and understanding of different scientific concepts.

Based on the current experiments listed, it seems like your lab course heavily focuses on magnetic resonance and spectroscopy techniques. While these are important techniques to learn, it may also be beneficial to introduce experiments that cover other areas of physics, such as astrophysics and astronomy.

One experiment that comes to mind is the measurement of cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB). This experiment allows students to investigate the origins and properties of the universe by measuring the faint radiation leftover from the Big Bang. This experiment can be done using a simple setup, such as a microwave receiver and antenna, and can be extended to include data analysis and interpretation.

Another experiment could involve studying the properties of different types of stars through spectroscopy. This could include measuring the spectra of different stars and analyzing the absorption lines to determine their composition and temperature. This experiment would not only provide a hands-on experience with spectroscopy, but also introduce students to the field of stellar astrophysics.

In addition, incorporating experiments related to modern technologies, such as nanotechnology or biophysics, could also be beneficial for students in their final year of studies. These areas are rapidly advancing and offer a wealth of opportunities for students to explore and contribute to ongoing research.

I hope these suggestions are helpful in expanding the range of experiments offered in your lab course. I encourage you to continue to think outside the box and seek out new and exciting experiments to enhance your learning experience.

Best of luck in your studies and future scientific endeavors.