Experimental Physics

  1. Experimental Design and Methodology
    1. Formulating a Research Question
      1. Identifying Gaps in Knowledge
        1. Literature Review
          1. Defining Scope and Objectives
            1. Feasibility Assessment
            2. Hypothesis Development
              1. Constructing Testable Hypotheses
                1. Null and Alternative Hypotheses
                  1. Operational Definitions
                    1. Prediction Formulation
                    2. Identifying and Controlling Variables
                      1. Independent Variables
                        1. Dependent Variables
                          1. Control Variables
                            1. Confounding Variables
                              1. Strategies for Variable Control
                              2. Control Experiments
                                1. Purpose and Design
                                  1. Positive Controls
                                    1. Negative Controls
                                      1. Interpreting Control Results
                                      2. Designing the Experimental Procedure
                                        1. Step-by-step Protocol Development
                                          1. Calibration Procedures
                                            1. Instrument Calibration
                                              1. Calibration Standards
                                                1. Calibration Frequency
                                                2. Background Measurements and Subtraction
                                                  1. Baseline Determination
                                                    1. Environmental Backgrounds
                                                      1. Systematic Background Sources
                                                      2. Sample Preparation
                                                        1. Sample Selection Criteria
                                                          1. Preparation Protocols
                                                            1. Sample Storage and Handling
                                                            2. Repetition and Replication
                                                              1. Statistical Requirements
                                                                1. Independent Measurements
                                                                  1. Systematic Variation Studies
                                                                2. Signal-to-Noise Ratio
                                                                  1. Identifying Noise Sources
                                                                    1. Environmental Noise
                                                                      1. Instrumental Noise
                                                                        1. Electronic Noise
                                                                          1. Thermal Noise
                                                                          2. Techniques for Noise Reduction
                                                                            1. Shielding and Grounding
                                                                              1. Signal Averaging
                                                                                1. Filtering
                                                                                  1. Modulation Techniques
                                                                                    1. Lock-in Detection
                                                                                  2. Optimization of Experimental Parameters
                                                                                    1. Parameter Scanning
                                                                                      1. Maximizing Sensitivity
                                                                                        1. Minimizing Systematic Errors
                                                                                          1. Trade-offs in Experimental Design
                                                                                          2. Keeping a Laboratory Notebook
                                                                                            1. Documentation Standards
                                                                                              1. Date and Time Stamping
                                                                                                1. Legibility and Organization
                                                                                                  1. Permanent Records
                                                                                                  2. Data Recording
                                                                                                    1. Raw Data Entry
                                                                                                      1. Data Annotation
                                                                                                        1. Cross-referencing
                                                                                                        2. Recording Observations and Metadata
                                                                                                          1. Environmental Conditions
                                                                                                            1. Instrument Settings
                                                                                                              1. Anomalies and Deviations
                                                                                                                1. Troubleshooting Notes

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                                                                                                            2. Fundamentals of Measurement

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                                                                                                            4. Instrumentation and Apparatus