Introduction: Spectrometer Using Arduino

By My blog
About: I am a student majoring in nuclear power, quantum energy engineering, particle beam engineering in Japan.

The light we observe, for example the sun's light, consists of light of various wavelengths. Also, substances have the property of absorbing light of a specific wavelength. So, if you observe the spectra of distant star's light on earth, you can see which wavelengths are absorbed, so you can see the components of the interstellar gas between the star and the earth.

This time I used a mini light bulb instead of the sun, a chemical liquid instead of the interstellar gas, and a photodiode instead of the earth observer.

This is my first Arduino project.

Step 1: Overview and Materials

The light emitted from the light source first passes through the slit, after which it is spectrally separated by the grating element, then it passes through the chemical liquid and enters the photodetector. The grating rotates little by little by the servo motor. We will tag the rotation angle of the grating and the output of the photodiode and save each time. Arduino will control the servo motor and save the data.

Collimating lenses necessary to produce parallel light are taken out from Junk's DVD player. I used a shaving blade for the slit.I used a piece of DVD for grating. Since parallel grooves are ideal, use the part that is as close to the circumference as possible.To lower the gear ratio, insert the TAMIYA pulley unit between the servo motor and the grating. The chemical solution is injected into the cell for visible light analysis. Place the spectrometer in a plastic container and place all the optical systems on the aluminum plate.

Step 2: Photodetector Circuit

Connect the photodiode to the integrating circuit and average the output with Arduino. The integration time depends on the light intensity of the light source. This time it was set to 20 s. The parts used are as follows.

  • NJL7502L(photodiode)
  • 74HC4066N(Analog Switch)
  • TLC272AIP(OP Amp)
  • 10kohm*3
  • 100ohm*1
  • 0.01uF film condenser
  • 0.1uF film condenser

Attachments

Step 3: Assembly

Assemble each part and place the optical system on the aluminum plate. All the parts to be used are painted on matte black. Carefully adjust the optical axis so that the light from the light source is firmly incident on the photodetector.

Step 4: Calibration and Measurement

First we will get water data. Analyze the chemical liquid data as a ratio with the strength of water. Wavelength calibration was done using three different wavelength LEDs. Chemical liquid is colored with Ph indicator. I used HCl, C6H4(COOK)(COOH),H3PO4,Laundry detergent.

Since the absorption line peculiar to the equipment was observed, it was smoothed after removing it. Understanding the principle of the spectroscope and assembling the equipment has become a very learning experience. It can be applied to measurement of wavelength spectrum of full-color LED, etc.

Thank You.

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