Building Scientific Apparatus

Essential step-by-step guide on the construction of scientific apparatus for all scientists and students in physics, chemistry, biology and engineering.

Unrivalled in its coverage and unique in its hands-on approach, this guide to the design and construction of scientific apparatus is essential reading for every scientist and student of engineering, and physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Covering the physical principles governing the operation of the mechanical, optical and electronic parts of an instrument, new sections on detectors, low-temperature measurements, high-pressure apparatus, and updated engineering specifications, as well as 400 figures and tables, have been added to this edition. Data on the properties of materials and components used by manufacturers are included. Mechanical, optical, and electronic construction techniques carried out in the lab, as well as those let out to specialized shops, are also described. Step-by-step instruction supported by many detailed figures, is given for laboratory skills such as soldering electrical components, glassblowing, brazing, and polishing.

1. Mechanical design and fabrication; 2. Working with glass; 3. Vacuum technology; 4. Optical systems; 5. Charged-particle optics; 6. Electronics; 7. Detectors; 8. Measurement and control of temperature; Index.

Unrivalled in its completeness, this guide to the design and construction of scientific apparatus is essential reading for all scientists and students in physical, chemical and biological sciences, and engineering. Detectors, low-temperature measurements, and high-pressure apparatus, updated engineering specifications, are all new to this edition.

John H. Moore is Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research has included plasma chemistry, high-energy electron scattering, and the design and fabrication of instruments for use in the laboratory and on spacecraft.
Christopher C. Davis is Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, and a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Currently his research deals with free space optical and directional RF communication systems, plasmonics, near-field scanning optical microscopy, chemical and biological sensors, interferometry, optical systems, bioelectromagnetics, and RF dosimetry.
Michael A. Coplan is Professor and Director of the Chemical Physics Program at the University of Maryland. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and has research programs in space science, electron scattering, and neutron detection.
Sandra C. Greer is Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and recipient of the American Chemical Society Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal. Her research deals with experimental thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of fluids and fluid mixtures, living polymers, biopolymers, and polymer solutions.