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Essential Physics
The Physics textbook of today AND tomorrow!
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Materials Testing System
Hands-on investigation of compression, tension, buckling, bending, shearing and more.
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Essential Chemistry
The Chemistry textbook of today AND tomorrow!
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Wireless CO2 Sensor
The simplest, most cost effective and versatile sensor for measuring carbon dioxide gas levels.
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Wireless Weather Sensor w/ GPS
When "where" matters. Coordinate atmospheric measurements with location/GIS data.
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17 simultaneous measurements to analyze trends
Home - Elementary Science
Wireless Sensor Bundle
Our new low cost sensors don't require an interface and connect directly to Mac® & Windows® computers, iPads®, iPhones®, Android® Tablets & phones and Chromebooks™.
New for 2019!
See our growing line of Wireless Sensors
See Sensors
Contact Us:
Email Tech Support 800-772-8700 x 1004 (Inside US) 916-462-8384 (Outside US)
Email Customer Service 1-877-373-0300 (Inside US) 916-462-8383 (Outside US)
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri: 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
PASCO Blog
Tips and interesting applications using PASCO sensors, software and equipment.
Have innovative lab ideas you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you!
Free Trial Update
PASCO Capstone User's Guide
Free Experiments
Released 1/17/2019
Free Download
Released 10/31/2018
Job Opportunities at PASCO
800-772-8700 x 1004 (Inside US) 916-462-8384 (Outside US)
Fax: 916-786-8905
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Fri: 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
1-877-373-0300 (Inside US) 916-462-8383 (Outside US)
WA-9314C - Get Quote
WA-9316A - Get Quote
WA-9315 - Get Quote
To a beginning student, the relationship between a simple wave on a string and the complicated interactions of optics can be hard to grasp. PASCO's answer is microwave optics. There are advantages to studying optical phenomena at microwave frequencies. Using a 3-cm microwave wavelength radically changes the scale of the experiment. Microns become centimeters and variables obscured by the small scale of traditional optics experiments are easily seen and manipulated. PASCO's Microwave Optics System takes full advantage of these large-scale benefits. The large wavelength makes it easy to understand and visualize electromagnetic wave inter-actions. Interference and diffraction slits are several centimeters wide, and polarizers are slotted sheets of Stainless Steel.
Most traditional optics experiments can be performed with this Microwave Optics System: from determining the laws of reflection and refraction to investigating polarization effects to examining the phenomena of diffraction and double-slit interference. Basic wave experiments can also be performed. Students can investigate standing waves between two reflectors, locating nodes and antinodes. Combining these experiments can establish a clear parallel between electromagnetic wave interactions and mechanical wave theory.
The heart of the Microwave Optics System is the Gunn Diode Transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is a low voltage source of linearly polarized microwaves (10.5 GHz; 15 mW). As the microwaves are reflected, refracted, diffracted or directed through polarizers, the receiver can detect and measure the intensity of the microwaves at various positions beyond the transmitter. The receiver has a built-in amplifier as well as a variable sensitivity scale, ensuring accurate data for even the lowest intensity measurements.
Microwave Accessory Package (WA-9315)
Includes a polyethylene panel for measuring Brewster's angle and a simulated crystal for Bragg diffraction.
Microwave Detector Probe (WA-9319A)
Investigate the nodes and antinodes in standing wave patterns with this microwave probe.
Microwave Transmitter (WA-9801)
This Transmitter is used in the Microwave Optics systems (WA-9314B, WA9316).
Microwave Receiver (WA-9800A)
This Receiver with built-in Amplifier is used in the Microwave Optics systems (WA-9314C, WA-9316A).
Microwave Mounting Stand (WA-9802)
Holds the receiver/amplifier and other objects for the Microwave Optics systems (WA-9314B, WA-9316).