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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > August  >
In the Laboratory
Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy of a Lasing Material: Ruby
C. Degli Esposti and L. Bizzocchi
Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Cover
August 2007
Vol. 84 No. 8
p. 1316

Abstract
This article describes a laboratory experiment that allows the students to characterize the photophysical properties of ruby, the crystalline material that was used as the active medium to produce the first laser emission. The students record the absorption and emission spectra of low-cost samples of industrial ruby and determine the lifetime of the luminescent excited state. The results obtained are explained in terms of crystal field theory, optical selection rules, and rates of radiative and nonradiative relaxation processes, and they are related to the operating conditions of a ruby laser. This instrumental experiment has been developed for an upper-division undergraduate audience, and it is suitable for advanced physical chemistry or inorganic chemistry courses.
Supplement
More theoretical and experimental details concerning the study of the photophysical properties of ruby are available. An ASCII file containing the spectra collected for this experiment is provided. It can be downloaded and used to prepare slides for classroom lessons.
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Citation
Esposti, C. Degli; Bizzocchi, L. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1316.
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Keywords
Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Lasers; Materials Science; Photochemistry; Physical Chemistry; Solids; Upper-Division Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/22/2007
7/5/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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