0000000000043108
AUTHOR
Marcos H. Giménez
Diffraction by m-bonacci gratings
We present a simple diffraction experiment with m-bonacci gratings as a new interesting generalization of the Fibonacci ones. Diffraction by these nonconventional structures is proposed as a motivational strategy to introduce students to basic research activities. The Fraunhofer diffraction patterns are obtained with the standard equipment present in most undergraduate physics labs and are compared with those obtained with regular periodic gratings. We show that m-bonacci gratings produce discrete Fraunhofer patterns characterized by a set of diffraction peaks which positions are related to the concept of a generalized golden mean. A very good agreement is obtained between experimental and …
Valencian Network of Educational Innovation in Optics
[EN] The Valencian Network of Educational Innovation in Optics consists of three groups from the Universitat de València, Universitat Jaume I, and Universitat Politècnica de València. The participants in the network present an extensive background on performing actions to improve teaching practice. They have been involved for years in scientific outreach activities and in a number of educational innovation projects, which have developed innovative teaching materials. With the aim of sharing their experience and enhance their performance, the three groups have decided to join forces to become a Network of Educational Innovation whose main projects are described in this communication.
Undergraduate experiment with fractal diffraction gratings
We present a simple diffraction experiment with fractal gratings based on the triadic Cantor set. Diffraction by fractals is proposed as a motivating strategy for students of optics in the potential applications of optical processing. Fraunhofer diffraction patterns are obtained using standard equipment present in most undergraduate physics laboratories and compared with those obtained with conventional periodic gratings. It is shown that fractal gratings produce self-similar diffraction patterns which can be evaluated analytically. Good agreement is obtained between experimental and numerical results. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd.
Difract: Un nuevo laboratorio virtual para la modelización matemática de las propiedades de difracción de redes fractales
[EN] This work presents a new virtual laboratory, Difract, developed with Easy Java Simulations, for using in Optics courses as a computer tool for the mathematical modelling of the diffraction properties of 1D and 2D fractal gratings. This virtual laboratory enables students to quickly and easily analyze the influence on the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of the different construction parameters of the fractal grating. As an application example, the Cantor fractal set has been considered.
Modelización de superredes cuánticas con MathematicaQc
[EN] Quantum superlattices are composite aperiodic structures comprised of alternating layers of several semiconductors following the rules of an aperiodic sequence. From a pedagogical point of view, it is easy to obtain the electronic scattering properties of these systems by means of the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). In this work we present a TMM code developed in Mathematica that allows modeling periodic and aperiodic superlattices for motivating students of quantum physics by using unconventional geometries such as fractals or the Fibonacci sequence.
Determining the efficiency of optical sources using a smartphone's ambient light sensor
This work reports the use of a smartphone’s ambient light sensor as a valuable tool to study and characterize the efficiency of an optical source. Here, we have measured both luminous efficacy and efficiency of several optical sources (incandescent bulb and halogen lamp) as a function of the electric power consumed and the distance to the optical detector. The illuminance of LEDs as a function of the distance to the optical detector is characterized for different wavelength emissions. Analysis of the results confirms an inverse-square law of the illuminance with the detector–source distance and shows good agreement with values obtained by classical experiments. This experience will trigger …