Optics Undergraduate Experiments Using Smart (and Not So Smart) Phones

  • V. L. Díaz-Melián Faculty of Physics, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba
  • L. A. Rodríguez Pedagogical Science University “Enrique J. Varona”, 11400 Havana, Cuba
  • F. Pedroso-Camejo Pedagogical Science University “Enrique J. Varona”, 11400 Havana, Cuba
  • J. Mieres Pedagogical Science University “Enrique J. Varona”, 11400 Havana, Cuba
  • Y. de Armas Institute of Cybernetics, Mathematics and Physics (ICIMAF), 10400 Havana, Cuba
  • A. J. Batista-Leyva Instituto Superior de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicadas (InSTEC), Universidad de la Habana, 10400 La Habana, Cuba
  • E. Altshuler Faculty of Physics, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba

Abstract




Smartphones may be seen as miniature toolboxes to perform Physics experiments. In this paper, we present three different “optics workbenches" mainly based on the light meter of a smartphone. One is aimed at the precise study of Malus law and other effects associated to linearly polarized light, the second allows quantifying the light intensity distribution of diffraction or interference patterns projected on a screen, and the third demonstrates the so-called inverse square law obeyed by the light from a point-like source. These experiments allow to quantitatively demonstrate three fundamental laws of optics using quite inexpensive equipment.




Published
Jul 14, 2019
How to Cite
DÍAZ-MELIÁN, V. L. et al. Optics Undergraduate Experiments Using Smart (and Not So Smart) Phones. Revista Cubana de Física, [S.l.], v. 36, n. 1, p. 4-7, july 2019. ISSN 2224-7939. Available at: <http://www.revistacubanadefisica.org/index.php/rcf/article/view/2019v36n1p04>. Date accessed: 29 mar. 2024.
Section
Original Articles