Spring SAVY 2018, Day 2- Biophotonics (5th/6th)
This last Saturday, we started our discussion of laser-tissue interactions. As one of the key phenomena in biophotonics, we focused on absorption. Our emerging scientists designed their own experiments investigating the wavelength dependence of absorption. With an array of lasers of different wavelengths, students tested their hypotheses of which flavors of Jell-O would absorb a particular wavelength and which would allow that wavelength to be transmitted. Not surprisingly, students accurately predicted that light of the same color (wavelength) as the Jell-O would be transmitted since the chromophores (the dye) in Jell-O absorb all other visible wavelengths. Hence, blue Jell-O will allow blue light pass through it while red Jell-O will absorb the blue light. You can also recreate this experiment at home. All you need is some gummy bears or Jell-O and some different colored LEDs. We ended Day 2 by introducing the theory behind fluorescence. Next week, we will delve deeper into fluorescence and light scattering as well as how doctors and scientists use these phenomena for medical diagnoses.
I hope everyone has a great week, and I will see you all next Saturday!
Graham