Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

DOI

10.1119/1.5088806

Publication Title

American Journal of Physics

Volume

87

Issue

3

Pages

223-229

Abstract

We describe a spectroscopy experiment, suitable for upper-division laboratory courses, that investigates saturated absorption spectroscopy and polarization spectroscopy in a neon discharge. Both experiments use nearly identical components, allowing students to explore both techniques in a single apparatus. Furthermore, because the wavelength of the laser is in the visible part of the spectrum (640 nm), the experiment is well-suited for students with limited experience in optical alignment. The labs nicely complement a course in atomic or plasma physics, provide students with the opportunity to gain important technical skills in the area of optics and lasers, and can provide an introduction to radio-frequency electronics.

Comments

This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and AIP Publishing. This article appeared in American Journal of Physics, Volume 87, Issue 3, Pages 223-229 and may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.5088806.

Original Publication Citation

Busch, H. C., Cooper, M. B., & Sukenik, C. I. (2019). Spectroscopy of neon for the advanced undergraduate laboratory. American Journal of Physics, 87(3), 223-229. doi:10.1119/1.5088806

ORCID

0000-0001-5025-2546 (Sukenik)

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