Facilities

Physics and astronomy both require extensive and up-to-date laboratory and equipment facilities for pre-eminent instruction. We are fortunate to have excellent facilities in a variety of fields. (See links at left for different areas.)

The VMI Observatory is located just outside of town and includes a professional quality 20-inch reflecting telescope and astrographic refractor. The telescopes are used in both introductory astronomy courses, as well as an advanced course in observational techniques. We employ the latest electronic imaging (astronomical CCDs) for both quantitative measurements and astrophotography.

The laser laboratory includes a pulsed dye laser using a Nd:YAG laser as a pumping source.

A new thin films lab is being outfitted to explore nonlinear optical materials, electro-optical devices, optical coatings, antireflection coatings, and other applications in this new field.

The laboratories for the general physics courses have been outfitted with computer control and data analysis for most of the experiments.