Optical Equipment

Michelson Interferometer

This early model of Michelson interferometer was used in the department for instructional purposes. This interferometer demonstrates the wave nature of light and is generally used in the instructional laboratories to measure the wavelength of light from a monochromatic source.

 

 

This spectrometer has a Pellin-Broca prism and was used for instructional purposes. The knob rotates the prism which tunes the wavelength, which can be read on the spindle.

Spherometer

A spherometer is used to measure radius of curvature of spherical surfaces such as lenses.

Xenon Flashlamp

A xenon flashlamp similar to the one used by Theodore Maiman to demonstrate the laser action in 1960. This the first demonstration of the laser action.The helical lamp was 'wound' around a ruby crystal, which was the lasing medium. 

World's First laser

Reproduced from Physics Today, October 1988.