Easy Spectroscope

thingiverse

Build a simple DIY spectroscope with an old CD, an empty paper towel roll, and a 3D printer. Print the two different end caps, glue or tape the diffraction grating (part of an old CD with the metallic top layer removed) into the cap with the larger hole, and place both caps on the end of the paper towel roll. Look through the end with the larger hole and the CD diffraction grating at different light sources to see their spectra. #Tips - It might be tempting, but please don't look directly at the sun, even through the spectroscope. - Pick a CD you don't want anymore ;) - Use sharp scissors to cut out a portion of an old CD. - Tape (like duct tape) can help peel off the top metallic layer from the CD. Just stick the tape to the top surface and peel up. - The radial direction of the CD (the direction from the center of the CD to the edge) should be oriented parallel to the long dimension of the filter hole. - The two end caps should be rotated so that the two rectangles are perpendicular. - The previous two tips are to ensure that the diffraction pattern (the rainbow) is most visible. See the image of the diffraction pattern for an example of what the spectrum of a fluorescent light can look like. - Double-sided tape can be used to affix the CD to the end cap temporarily while adjustments are made. Don't have a 3D printer? Don't worry -- use cardboard for the end caps! The slit should be no more than about 0.5 mm wide. The other end cap doesn't matter so much, just make a window for your diffraction grating/CD.