Basic Spectroscope – Optics Demonstrations
by United Scientific

A scaled down version of a spectroscope, this hand-held version is capable of much of the same functions as one that is full-sized. It is an excellent way for viewing the spectra of many different light sources. The spectroscope features a durable plastic construction, and features a series of compound prisms and converging lenses that have been crafted from high quality optical glass. The focus ring in the center of the spectroscope allows you to slide the central lens forwards or backwards, bringing the visible spectra into focus.

Light enters through the viewing window, where it passes through a double Amici prism and the focus lens, before exiting through the slit diaphragm where it can be viewed. The Amici prism is actually a compound of three prisms that are made of two glasses with differing refractive indexes. The combination allows for a strong wavelength dispersion in the light beam that is entering the spectrometer, without any deviation from the path of a central wavelength.

Extremely lightweight and portable, the hand-held spectroscope is perfect for students to carry around the classroom or school, and investigate the spectra of different light sources.