Virtual reality (VR) simulation of a nuclear physics laboratory exercise

This paper outlines some of the benefits of using virtual reality (VR) in physics education at the university level. Based on the existing experimental infrastructure of the low-background gamma spectroscopy laboratory, a VR experiment has been designed which includes all the stages of the physical measurement process. Following the VR experiment, the students receive pre-prepared experimental data (gamma spectra) from which they extract a specific result (in this case, the mass of the deuteron) and accordingly validate some of the knowledge they acquire in the classroom. The most significant benefit of introducing VR into the education process is the opportunity for students to become familiar with experimental settings and procedures, in environments without similar infrastructure, as well as being provided with appropriate experimental material. An example from nuclear physics was taken because there is great scope in this field for the possible use of VR techniques in teaching. Only a few universities have adequate equipment to cover this field extensively, especially for advanced courses or master studies. This technique could be also applied in the teaching environment for a number of other experimental courses. (paper)