The Spectrometer is an incredibly important and powerful scientific instrument; as it allows analysis of the composition of matter and the structure of atoms; just from the light emitted or absorbed by it.

The principle is simple; incident light is bent; or refracted; through an optical device such as a prism or diffraction grating. A spectrum is produced; each wavelength of light refracted by a unique angle. By measuring the angles at which light is refracted; a precise spectrum can be determined. By looking at what spectral lines are missing; otherwise known as an absorption spectrum; the composition of a body that does not emit its own light; such as a gas cloud; can be determined.

A spectrometer has applications in many areas of science; including astronomy and analytical chemistry. When combined with a Spectrum Lamp; Spectrometers provide an accessible way to teach this essential area of Physics.

Scale:

• The 177mm diameter circle is fixed; and the table and telescope movements are completely independent of each other.
• Both movements can be read to 30 sec. of arc by means of bouble ended verniers.
• Both rotations have fine adjustment screws; and release of a clamping screw enables coarse adjustment to be made by hand.

Collimator:

• Mounted on fixed pillar and fitted with 178mm focus achromatic objective; 32mm clear aperture. A unilaterally adjustable slit; 6mm long is also fitted.
• Telescope: Mounted on moveable pillar and fitted with 178mm focus achromatic objective; 32mm clear aperture. Also fitted is a x15 Ramsden eyepiece and a cross line graticule.
• Both the telescope and the collimator have rack and pinion focusing.

Prism Table:

• The table is marked with lines to assist placing the prism with respect to the table levelling screws; and has interchangeable clamping units for the prism and a diffraction grating.

Standard accessories supplied:-

• 1 x dense flint glass prism.
• 1 x prism clamp.
• 1 x diffraction grating holder.
• 1 x Watchmaker's eyeglass.
• 1 x tommy bar for adjusting optical axes.
• 1 x Polished hardwood case.