Amateur’s spectrometer: measuring wavelengths

Abstract

This work describes, systematically, the construction of a spectrometer based on readily available materials and easy handling. The physics involved, wave optics, is historically contextualized briefly; the principle of Huygens is also presented. Next, the construction of the spectrometer is detailed; the images of some emission spectra are presented. Finally, some of the possible exploitations are suggested; and the conclusion points to two aspects in particular. At first, the construction of the device can give occasion for a motivating theoretical and practical activity. The second aspect highlights the potential of the research activity, including emission and absorption spectra that opens to students, thereby providing great motivating learning environments.