An upper-division laboratory course in atomic and molecular spectroscopy is described. Examples of outcomes that also benefit second-year physics laboratories and demonstrations in introductory courses are presented. The overarching goal that drove the development of the course was to assist students in understanding the fundamental connections between atomic and molecular spectra and the underlying structures. A selection of laboratory experiences supporting this goal, and the equipment and techniques necessary to provide them, are outlined.
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Newton wrote “I procured me a triangular glass prism to try therewith the celebrated phenomena of colours.” From a letter Newton wrote to Henry Oldenberg, the Secretary of the Royal Society, 6 February 1672, quoted in full in
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Reference 22, p.
552
.© 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2010
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