Spectrophotometer

This spectrophotometer project uses a diffraction grating to split white light into separate wavelengths. A mechanically actuated slit selects a single wavelength to pass through a sample and into a high-accuracy digital light sensor.

Materials

digital light sensor
diffraction grating
1W white LED
3V 500mA power supply (we use a 5V power supply with a large power resistor)
servo
magnifying glass
structural materials (LEGO blocks, cardboard, wood, or similar)
Arduino board
Grove sensor shield
sensor wires
additional wire

Optical Path

light source (LED)
lens (magnifying glass)
diffraction grating (at pivot point)
slit
sample
light sensor

Notes

In operation, the sensor and sample box should be cover to avoid measuring ambient light. This device requires manual (by-hand/by-eye) calibration.

Assembly instructions

Instructions will be provided when we have finished prototyping.