


	Java

On this page you will find links to various Java applications and applets that I have written. If the apps or applets don't work on your computer you may need to download and install the latest build of the Java Runtime Environment or JRE from http://java.sun.com.

Go to: Physics 123 Simulations : Physics 222 Simulations : Research Tools : Misc Java Programs

Simulations for Physics Courses

I wrote these simulations for use in physics courses that I teach. To get an idea of how to use them, I suggest running the simulations and working through the example worksheets.

Some of these simulations are applets which will run in your browser. Some are full applications which are launched using Jave Web Start. If you have the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed, the applications should download and startup automatically when you click on the link. In some cases there is both an applet and an application for the simulation. Usually the application will run faster and smoother, and in some cases certain features are only possible with the application. If the application doesn't work on your system, you can try the applet.

Physics 123 "Majors Section" Simulations

App or Applet

Help Page

Example Worksheets

Dispersion Lab (Applet)

This lab shows how a Gaussian pulse propagates in dispersive and non-dispersive mediums. It also shows the spectrum of a Gaussian pulse. You can change the pulse width, the center wavenumber of the pulse, and the dispersion relation. It can be used to illustrate uncertainty relations, dispersion, and the difference between phase and group velocity.

Dispersion Lab Help

Dispersion Lab

	PDF
	Zip with LyX and LaTeX sources

Fourier Lab (Applet)

Fourier Lab (Application)

This simulation allows the user to record a wave, generate one by typing in a function, or select one of several pre-recorded sounds. It then shows the frequency spectrum of the wave. It can be used to illustrate Fourier transforms and harmonic modes.

The applet and the application are signed to allow the program to get access to your microphone and your speakers if you have them. You will have to click to accept the signed applet in order for them to work.

Fourier Lab Help

Fourier Transform Lab

	PDF
	Zip with LyX and LaTeX sources

Physics 222 Simulations

App or Applet

Help Page

Example Worksheets

Dispersion Lab (Applet)

This lab shows how a Gaussian pulse propagates in dispersive and non-dispersive mediums. It also shows the spectrum of a Gaussian pulse. You can change the pulse width, the center wavenumber of the pulse, and the dispersion relation. It can be used to illustrate uncertainty relations, dispersion, and the difference between phase and group velocity.

Dispersion Lab Help

Dispersion Lab

	PDF
	Zip with LyX and LaTeX sources

Stationary State Lab (Application)

In this lab the user enters a function to describe an arbitrary potential. The program then numerically finds the lowest lying stationary-state energies and wavefunctions. This lab can be used to help students develop intuition for what stationary states look like in arbitrary potentials, to illustrate covalent bonding, and to explore the band theory of solids.

Stationary State Lab Help

Square Well Lab

	PDF
	Zip with LyX and LaTeX sources

Stationary State Lab

	PDF
	Zip with LyX and LaTeX sources

coming soon...

	Covalent Bonding
	Band Theory of Solids

Research Tools

Gaussian Beam Radius Calculator Applet
This simple program is used to calculate the Gaussian radius of a laser beam from measurements made by cutting the beam with a razor blade.

Other Miscellaneous Java Apps and Applets

Dated Message Scroller Generator (DMSG)
This application generates Javascript code which you can insert into your web pages to display different scrolling messages depending on the current date.

Download just the .jar file

Download a .zip file containing the .jar file, a .bat file to start the program in windows, and a README file.

View the README file