Make your own Laser spectrometer !

[laser_freak]

A larger line density corresponds to a smaller slit which corresponds to a larger spread and thus a greater resolution. I would buy the grating with the larger line density.

 

[LSRFAQ]

Neon lamps cost about 3$ at radio shack and have KNOWN lines.

Google Image Result for http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/us/spectro10/neon.gif

Makes life much easier when you have a known calibration source.

Steve

 

[laser_freak]

I have also used CFL bulbs and even the sky when I cannot find any neon lamps or 532nm lasers. Their spectra are available of wikipedia.

 

[Red Photon]

Hi,

I just joined and I've spent the last half-hour poking around trying to figure out affordable ways to test (characterize) my lasers before I outfit my home lab. This tutorial is very encouraging. It proves that everything doesn't have to be expensive and that I can make due on a monthly laser budget and just take it one step at a time until the lab is full outfitted.

Thanks,
RP