View in EDS

Laser Experiments and Applications on Palm (LEAP): Creating a Do-It-Yourself Wave Optics Educational Opportunity for Schools Without Optics Laboratories.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Laser Experiments and Applications on Palm (LEAP): Creating a Do-It-Yourself Wave Optics Educational Opportunity for Schools Without Optics Laboratories.
Authors: Ortega-Mendoza, J. G.1 (AUTHOR) gabriel.ortega@upt.edu.mx, Guzmán-Barraza, A.2 (AUTHOR), Ángeles, José1 (AUTHOR), Smith, Greg A.3 (AUTHOR), Kim, Daewook3 (AUTHOR), Padilla-Vivanco, A.1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Physics Teacher. May2026, Vol. 64 Issue 5, p409-413. 5p.
Subjects: Michelson interferometer, Optical interference, Laser measurement, STEM education, Experiential learning, Physical optics, Inquiry-based learning, Experimental methods in education
Abstract: The article focuses on the development and educational application of the LEAP (Laser Experiments and Application on Palm) kit, a low-cost, portable, and easy-to-assemble Michelson interferometer designed for wave optics education. The LEAP kit enables students and teachers, including those in high schools and home-schooling environments, to build and operate a Michelson interferometer using readily available materials, facilitating hands-on learning of optical interference phenomena beyond traditional demonstrations. Detailed instructions and CAD files are provided to support construction, alignment, and experimentation, allowing exploration of interference patterns and wave optics concepts. This approach aims to enhance practical understanding of light’s wave nature and inspire interest in advanced optical technologies across diverse educational levels. [Extracted from the article]
Copyright of Physics Teacher is the property of American Institute of Physics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The article focuses on the development and educational application of the LEAP (Laser Experiments and Application on Palm) kit, a low-cost, portable, and easy-to-assemble Michelson interferometer designed for wave optics education. The LEAP kit enables students and teachers, including those in high schools and home-schooling environments, to build and operate a Michelson interferometer using readily available materials, facilitating hands-on learning of optical interference phenomena beyond traditional demonstrations. Detailed instructions and CAD files are provided to support construction, alignment, and experimentation, allowing exploration of interference patterns and wave optics concepts. This approach aims to enhance practical understanding of light’s wave nature and inspire interest in advanced optical technologies across diverse educational levels. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:0031921X
DOI:10.1119/5.0232578