CO2 Pre-Lab

INCLUDE THIS SHEET AS THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR REPORT.

Student's Name: ______________________________________________________________

Partner's Name: ______________________________________________________________

Before the 1st Day of Lab

Pre-lab Discussion Questions

It is your responsibility to discuss this lab with an instructor before your first day of your scheduled lab period. This signed sheet must be included as the first page of your report. Without it you will lose grade points. You should be prepared to discuss at least the following before you come to lab:

1. How does a laser work, in general?
2. What is the purpose of the different gases ( i.e. N₂, CO₂, and He)?
3. What are the necessary characteristics of the medium, and the cavity?
4. How are the practical requirements for laser action satisfied in a CO₂ laser in this lab?
5. What does a grating do when one is used in place of a mirror in the laser?
6. What are the safety requirements for working with this laser?

Staff Signature ______________________________________________ Date ____________

Completed on before the first day of lab? (circle)   Yes   /   No

Mid-lab Questions

On day 4 of this lab, you should have successfully aligned the laser and observed a lasing spectrum in the spectrum analyzer. How many lines are lasing? On what does this number depend? Demonstrate your progress to an instructor and ask for a signature.

Staff Signature ______________________________________________ Date ____________

Completed by the fourth day of lab? (circle)   Yes   /   No

Please also fill out the Student Evaluation of Experiment.