Dr. Robert F. Carlton

carltonr@physics.mtsu.edu

Dr. Robert F. Carlton

Physics & Astronomy

N/A

WPS 203

Replacement of Existing Technology

These requests are for the electronics, semiconductor, laser and fiber optics-related courses we offer in the department. Some of these electronic instruments have been in use since the 1960's! They do not provide the stability and precision of signal output that is required for today's technology. The speed of some of the instrumentation is not sufficiently high to perform tests and assist in the design of semiconductor-based applications. The software will make possible calculations, simulations, and design formulations that will enable students to design, build and experiment with state-of-the-art solid state or semiconductor devices with real-world applications.

The project purpose is to bring our upper division laboratories into the 21st century, through the replacement of some very outdated electronic and test equipment with high-technology equipment. These laboratories service not only our physics majors and minors but also increasing numbers of Recording Industry majors taking the Electro-Acoustics minor in the department. These courses and laboratories have just been modernized through curriculum initiatives that immerse our students in the latest in ideas and capabilities in the area of semiconductor chips and technology. Our increasing emphasis on applied physics in the department requires that the technology that we use be compatible with the technology we teach, since physics is a laboratory-based science. This project will iimpact courses: PHYS 331, 334, 335, 350, 391, and 392. The enrollment in any one of these courses could be expected to be no higher than 10-14, because of space limitations. The frequency of offerings would result in approximately 20 - 50 students per year. Students use this equipment in designing electronic and semiconductor circuits and devices, and in simulating operational characteristics of electronic designs. The power supplies are a critical component in all operational electronic circuitry. The oscilloscopes are used to monitor component output of constructed circuits and devices.