Student as an investigator: simulation on optic synergetics

Abstract

The authors take over the following tasks: development of fundamental creative styles of student's thinking; study of some morphogenesis phenomena; the mastery of computer technology of investigations on optical synergetics by the students. The authors have elaborated the system of traininginvestigating problems presented to students. Each student is put into problem situation of an investigator, solving a new problem concerning the optical morphogenesis in a ring four-mirror interferometer, containing nonlinear medium and linear two-dimensional largescale transformator of the light field (in the feedback circuit). The phase shift distribution in the cross section of the laser beam is described by nonlinear parabolic equation with displaced space argument. The student must study processes of the optical structures generation by means of the simulation. The content of the traininginvestigating problems foresees various tasks for the student, for instance an explanation of the simulation results, predictions about the structures shape and behavior, test of the student hypothesis, modifcation ofthe physical model.