Physics and Astronomy

Vassar Applied Optics Laboratory

The Applied Optics Research Laboratory contains novel and traditional optical tools to facilitate research involving the optical sciences. The laboratory is equipped to conduct research in an undergraduate environment. Research topics include: optics as an educational tool, topics in spectroscopy, fabrication of nano-materials and investigation of materials through optical methods. Currently, the VAOL is focusing on the locomotory predictability of microorganisms using non-linear dynamics in the field of chaos and complexity using optical diffraction.

Recent publications:

  • Replace the “Recent Publications list with: Jenny Magnes, Harold Hastings, Miranda Hulsey-Vincent*, Cheris Congo*, Kathleen Raley-Susman, Anshul Singhvi*, Tyler Hatch*, and Erik Szwed*. Chaotic markers in dynamic diffraction. Appl. Opt.,59(22):6642–6647, Aug 2020 Done

  • Jenny Magnes and Kathleen Raley-Susman. Understanding Fourier transforms through intuition building. Conference Paper: ESERA’19, Bologna, Italy, Aug 2019

  • Jenny Magnes and Tyler Hatch*. Fourier transform spectroscopy in the visible range. Conference on Laboratory Instruction Beyond the First Year of College, Baltimore, MD, July 2018

  • Jenny Magnes, Cheris Congo*, Miranda Hulsey-Vincent*, HaroldHastings, and Kathleen Raley-Susman. Live C. elegans diffraction at a single point. Open Journal of Biophysics, 8:45–55, 2018

  • Jenny Magnes, Harold M. Hastings, Kathleen M. Raley-Susman, Clara Alivisatos*, Adam Warner*, and Miranda Hulsey-Vincent*.Fourier-based diffraction analysis of live Caenorhabditis elegans. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 127(e56154), 2017

    *indicates student author