My research interests include non-linear optical properties (particularly 3rd order) of thin films and nanoparticles. I am especially interested in the effect of microgravity on the quality of optical films and the uniformity of size distribution and packing density of nanoparticle films. I have collaborated extensively with U.S. Army researchers at Redstone Arsenal and at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama. I designed a Mach-Zhender interferometer to be fabricated of nonlinear optical materials. The device should find applications for switches and gates used in communication devices. NASA is interested in fabricating the device in space to take advantage of the increased uniformity and packing density of the microgravity environment. Currently my major emphasis is in chemical education, especially concerning new methods and analogies for teaching fundamental chemical concepts. Publications Earl F. Pearson, "Magnet and BB Analogy for Millikan's Oil Drop Experiment"; in press. "Radon Exposure in Prospectiv ";-Completed to be sent to the J. Chem. Educ. "Balancing Equations with only Two Variables";-Completed to be sent to The Chem. Educator. "Application of the Gibbs Phase Rule to Balancing Equations";-Completed to be sent to Chem. Educator. "Stoichiometry Calculations by Re-balancing the Equation-to be sent to J. Chem. Educ. Earl F. Pearson, "Revisiting Millikan's Oil Drop Experiment"; J.Chem. Educ. 2005, 82(6), 851. Joseph K. McDonald, Earl F. Pearson and Kenneth LaiHing, "Nonlinear Optical Properties of Layered Composites"; Proc. SPIE. Nonlin. Opt. Matl, 1992, 49, 7. Earl F. Pearson, "Revealing the Secret of the Arctic Bomb";, J. Chem. Educ. 1993, 70(4), 315. Norman W. Hunter, Curtis C. Wilkins, and Earl F. Pearson, "Gas Chamber Stoichiometry";, J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 65(5), 389. Curtis C. Wilkins, Norman W. Hunter, and Earl F. Pearson, "Storing Solar Energy in calcium Chloride";, J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 65(9), 753. Earl F. Pearson, Curtis C. Wilkins, and Norman W. Hunter, "Chemistry in Action-Another Approach to Descriptive Chemistry";, J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65(8), 716.

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