The theory and classroom application of helium-neon gas laser

This study answers the following questions : 1) What is the laser theory? 2) What are the physical phenomena involved in laser action? 3) What is a helium-neon laser? 4) How is helium-neon laser constructed and how does in operate? 5) What are the safety precautions in handling laser apparatus in the classroom or laboratory? 6) What role does it play in the teaching of science, particularly in the field of optics? 7) What is the degree of accuracy and precision of the instrument in terms of measurement? and 8) What are the other applications of laser in our scientific and technical society besides its role in science education and what is its future likely to be? Six different experiments on refraction, reflection, diffraction, and interference were performed. The helium-neon laser has provided monochromatic, coherent, intense, and collimated light in the study of the fundamental optical phenomena by experimentation. With the use of the helium-neon laser light, the index of refraction of glass prisms and liquids were measured with high precision and accuracy. Its wavelength was also determined. The light from the helium-neon laser verified the laws of reflection accurately. Diffraction and interference patterns, as well as the intensity distribution of single, double and multiple slits were studied qualitatively and measured quantitatively. From the experiments performed, it was concluded that the characteristic properties of helium-neon laser as a source of light minimized sources of error to a high degree. It has also provided accurate and precise means of measuring physical quantities especially in optics