Physics Facilities at Wheaton College

Because both Prof. Chen and Prof. John Collins are particularly interested in, and specialize in, optical systems and the applications of lasers and other light affecting systems, we at the Wheaton Physics Department have a large amount of space available for laser and optical projects and research.  We also have a great deal of equipment specially designed for use in laser and optical systems.  So of this equipment has been purchased direct from wholesalers, some has been donated by nearby organizations, and some have been built by students.  The opportunities abound!

Here is a short list of some of the specifics we have available.

2 diode lasers near 800 nm

Nd:YAG pulsed laser, Q-switched (about 300mJ per pulse)

0.5 Watt Argon ion laser

He-Ne lasers

Low Temperature Dewar/ Temp. Controller

Optical Tables

Monochromator

Detectors from 300 nm to 2.3 microns

Energy/Power meter

Fast Photodetector (1 GHz)

Digital Oscilloscope (500 MHz bandwidth/.5ns resolution)

LabVIEW-driven Computerized Data Acquisition System

Various mirrors, lenses, mounts, stages, etc.

In addition to these specifically optical resources, the Department has a fully equipped and functional dark-room for both standard and holographic film developing; a very well stocked machining shop with tools for wood, metal, and plastic; lab space for individual student research; and labs stocked with all manner of general lab equipment and both Macs and PCs (although the PC lab is used primarily for research specific to the Astronomy Dept.).