High resolution multi-grating spectrometer controlled by an Arduino

Authors

  • Karl Haebler The University of British Columbia
  • Anson Lau University of Waterloo
  • Jackson Qiu University of Waterloo
  • Michal Bajcsy University of Waterloo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/cjur.v2i1.188916

Keywords:

aberrations, Arduino, diffraction grating, periscope, servo motor

Abstract

We present the design for a high resolution triple-grating Czerny-Turner spectrometer for visible and telecom wavelengths, together with results of optical simulations using ZEMAX. Results from the simulations show that one of the most important factors affecting spectral resolution is the focal length of mirrors. Increasing the focal length allows for a greater degree of spatial dispersion of light diffracted from the gratings and also reduces optical aberrations. Radiation of wavelengths around 1550 nm are shown to have very noticeable aberrations in certain designs, evident by a large degree of smudging. Using parabolic mirrors instead of spherical mirrors is demonstrated to have a negligible effect when compared with increasing focal length. The optical simulations and preliminary testing of mechanical components show that it is possible to build a cost effective high resolution Czerny-Turner spectrometer using off the shelf components.

References

T. Heinz, “Rayleigh Scattering Spectroscopy”, Topics in App Phys, vol. 111, pp. 353-369, 2008

H. Butler et al, “Using Raman spectroscopy to characterize biological materials”, Nature, vol 11, pp. 664-687, March 2016

Published

2017-01-12

Issue

Section

Articles