Spectrometer Wiki

DESCRIPTION: This is a USB plug and play Spectrometer. It is designed to work with the Theremino Spectrometer software. The Software is open source and free to download from https://www.theremino.com/en/downloads/automation (about half way down) or click on this link https://www.theremino.com/wp-content/uploads/files/Theremino_Spectrometer_V3.1.zip

*NEW* VER 4 is now available for download: https://www.theremino.com/wp-content/uploads/files/Theremino_Spectrometer_V4.0.zip

The Spectrometer has accuracy and resolution of about one Nano-meter.
There are enough features for a small laboratory, teaching or scientific research on a budget.

COMMON APPLICATIONS:
- Teaching or demonstrations
- Optical Experiments.
- Measuring the spectrum of a variety of LED panels, lights and bulbs
- Blue light emissions from LCD panels and screens.

SPECS: The Spectrometer works in the UV, Visible and Near Infrared spectrum from about 360nm to about 950nm perhaps even higher but we have not tested above 950nm. It is plug and play with Windows 10 or 11 and has a resolution of about 1nm.
The instrument uses a special USB camera module with no IR filter. The cam has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels.
We tested it with a UV calibration source down to 380nm in the UV spectrum and 950nm Infrared LED light source. It comes with a 1.25" tube adapter for mounting on a telescope however we have not fully tested it with a capable telescope with a beam splitter so we make no astronomical claims.

CALIBRATION: It comes pre-calibrated but it must be calibrated once again with the software spectral scale trim points. Please follow the Theremino software instructions.
You can use a CCFL fluorescent bulb as a calibration source to align the 2 trim points Mercury lines of 436nm and 546nm given by the Fluorescent bulb.
If the spectrum is reversed meaning the red is the left side of the scale and the blues are on the right side of the scale you have to check the "flip input" box in the software GUI.

INSTRUMENT DETAILS: The spectrometer box and internal pieces are 3D printed with black PLA filament to reduce any light reflections. It uses a 1000 line diffraction grating slide. The camera is positioned about 35 degrees to the light beam to provide the best of resolution and sensitivity.

IMPROVING RESOLUTION: The instrument ships with an interchangeable 2mm slit plate and a 3mm slit (1.25" telescope tube adapter) alternatively you can use any material with very straight edges to narrow the slit gap to increase resolution but you will trade it for sensitivity.
If the light source is too strong you can use a light diffuser filter. (You can make one out of parchment paper or opaque scotch tape) Using a piece of opaque scotch tape to cover the slit works very well.
This spectrometer only measures wavelength and it does not measure light energy or light intensity.

The USB cord is about 12 inches +- 1 inch. You can use any USB extension cable if you need more length.

WARRANTY: The instrument comes with a 90 day warranty.
Be aware it will only be covered if the instrument camera chamber has not been opened or tampered with. The warranty seal label must be intact.

The instrument is designed and manufactured by Aqua 3D-LAB