Development of an undergraduate optics laboratory based on the analysis of digital images

Abstract

The aim of this work is to present an experience based on the use of digital images and computer processing techniques for enhanced optics laboratory teaching aids. The use of digital images offers the possibility of analysing some phenomena quantitatively, which would be very difficult to do with the traditional equipment available in teaching labs. In order to obtain high quality teaching material, a number of practical aspects should be taken into account during the process of image acquisition and subsequent analysis. Examples of quantitative experiments are presented; they cover the usual topics at undergraduate level, both geometrical and physical optics and even spectral analysis of the light.