Rapid Spectroscope

The really intriguing aspect of this device is the use of a common place CD or DVD replacing either an expensive prism or specially made diffraction grating. The performance of this ultra-low cost spectroscope is comparable with instruments costing much more.It clearly shows Fraunhofer lines in the spectrum arising from natural light and distinctive emission bands from artificial sources such as sodium lamps. Differences between fluorescent lighting tubes, e.g., white light or 'warm' light types, can be easily identified by their distinctive emission bands.The spectroscope is made from virtually indestructible polypropylene and supplied in flat pack form, taking about 30 seconds to assemble. It comes with a CD but can be used with any CD (or a DVD for higher resolution).