DIY Spectrometer
White light --- the light we see in everyday life --- is a composite of wavelengths of light of many colors. Scientists study those wavelengths individually, in fields such as astronomy and chemistry, with a device known as a spectrometer. Professional grade spectrometers can cost thousands of dollars, but a simple demonstration model can be constructed at home for pennies.
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Things You'll Need
- Blank CD-RW disc
- Cardboard tube from any empty paper towel roll
- Small, thin piece of flat cardboard
- X-Acto knife
- Duct tape
- Pen
- Scissors
- Half-circle protractor
Instructions
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1
Place one end of the cardboard tube on the flat piece of cardboard. Draw a circle around the end of the tube on the flat cardboard.
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2
Cut around the circle that was drawn on the flat cardboard with the scissors, making the cut slightly larger than the circle. Cut a narrow slit in the middle of the circular cardboard piece approximately three-quarters of an inch long with the X-Acto knife, taking care not to slice the cardboard in half.
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3
Tape the cardboard circle onto one end of the cardboard tube with the duct tape. The slit should not be covered with tape.
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4
Turn the tube around. Cut a hole approximately 1/2 inch long by 3/4 of an inch wide two or three inches from the end of the tube. Use the protractor and mark a 45-degree angle behind this slot (toward the open end) with a pen. Then use the knife to cut a slot along the line. Cut only about halfway through.
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5
Place the CD, with the shiny side facing the taped end, in the angled slot.
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6
Test the spectrometer. Point the slotted end at a fluorescent light, then look through the viewing slot by the CD. Different colors of light will reflect from the CD's surface.
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