Image processing as a tool for automatization learning complex physics experiments

Abstract

The article describes an automated complex system of hybrid educational, physical experiments, in which experiments automated using image processing technologies. The system combines electronics, mechatronics, and hardware programming subjects. An example is an educational physics experiment on He-Ne laser wavelength determination, which requires precise displacement of an interferometer mirror and observation of a rapidly changing interference image on the screen. Automatically analyzing the laser-generated interference image profile using image processing techniques allows monitoring the light intensity distribution and its correlation with a slight mirror shift obtained using the automation system controlling LabView. Automation using image processing technology combined with automatic data logging from images allows accurate measurement of sophisticated processes. The article also describes how this system increased students' interest in experimental work, interest in automation, application of new technologies, and facilitated the professor's work in carrying out sophisticated laboratory experiments