What is Spectrometer: Definition and 173 Discussions

A spectrometer () is a scientific instrument used to separate and measure spectral components of a physical phenomenon. Spectrometer is a broad term often used to describe instruments that measure a continuous variable of a phenomenon where the spectral components are somehow mixed. In visible light a spectrometer can separate white light and measure individual narrow bands of color, called a spectrum. A mass spectrometer measures the spectrum of the masses of the atoms or molecules present in a gas. The first spectrometers were used to split light into an array of separate colors. Spectrometers were developed in early studies of physics, astronomy, and chemistry. The capability of spectroscopy to determine chemical composition drove its advancement and continues to be one of its primary uses. Spectrometers are used in astronomy to analyze the chemical composition of stars and planets, and spectrometers gather data on the origin of the universe.
Examples of spectrometers are devices that separate particles, atoms, and molecules by their mass, momentum, or energy. These types of spectrometers are used in chemical analysis and particle physics.

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  1. P

    With what speed does the ion enter the magnetic field in a mass spectrometer?

    Homework Statement A mass spectrometer has a potential difference of 120 V applied to its accelerator plates. It is accelerating a positively charged ion that has a mass of 2.32 x 10^-26 kg. the ion then is directed into a uniform magnetic field of 0.17 T. The magnetic field is perpendicular...
  2. P

    Problems with Raman Spectrometer

    I'm currently updating an old raman spectrometer that had fallen out of alignment requiring some modifications to its design. I have attached an image of what it currently looks like. I am using a HeNe laser which is directed into a bifurcated fiberoptic. The combined end is pointed at my...
  3. C

    Spectrometer setup to minimize absorption of reflected light

    I'm working on an experiment to measure the quenching of an oxygen-sensitive dye. The excitation light is blue and the light fluoresced is red. When I collect data, there is always a peak for blue and red, which makes it impossible to measure really the quenching in low dye concentrations...
  4. T

    About selecting energy range on the spectrometer

    Hi everyone, I am doing an experiment about alpha spectrum. I am using Model P-2000/1 (don't know if this matters), a NaI(Tl) scintillation probe. I selected energy range 3-8 MeV at the front panel and waited for 3000 counts at the peak, it took ~800 seconds. But when I selected energy range 4-6...
  5. J

    Quadrupole TOF mass spectrometer axial frequency question

    Hi I have been searching the relevant literature but I cannot find if an ion traveling through a quadruple TOF MS will obtain an axial motion and frequency as a result? and will this axial motion induce a corresponding frequency on the HV rods that could be measured with the right filter...
  6. F

    Understanding Counts in Spectrometer

    Well, I'm not a physician so, maybe my doubt is a little fool. Well, I'm mapping the light emitted by some lamps in some aquariums. For that, I'using a spectrometer named Ocean Optics USB4000 and a software named SpectraSuite. My intention is to discover how much is the total light getting into...
  7. T

    Spectrometer Operation Analysis

    Homework Statement You are assigned the task of working with a desk-top sized magnetic spectrometer for the purpose of measuring the ratio of C12 to C14 atoms in a sample in order to determine its age.* For this problem, let's concentrate on the magnet that will perform the separation of...
  8. J

    Mass spectrometer - no deflection

    Homework Statement In one type of mass spectrometer the ions are passed through a velocity selector. This is a pair of parallel plates 2.5 cm apart. A pd of 140 V is applied to create an electric field. A magnetic field is also applied so as to give a force in the direction opposite to the...
  9. A

    Mass Spectrometer Formula question

    Homework Statement In the velocity selector region of a mass spectrometer, an electric field of 2.34 × 10^3 N/C is perpendicular to a magnetic field, B = 1.56 × 10^-2 T. Abeam of positive ions (q = +e) then enters a region with the same B field, but no E field. If the ions are detected at a...
  10. N

    Does the Fabry Perot spectrometer's free spectral range change with distance?

    Hi I have a question regarding doing spectrometry using a FP-cavity. For a fixed wavelength, the successive maxima of the FP-cavity occur when the distance of the cavity is changed by a multiple of λ/2. This we can use to look at the spectrum of light in the cavity by changing the distance. In...
  11. G

    Diffraction grating spectrometer

    Homework Statement Suppose that you have a reflection diffraction grating with n=140 lines per millimeter. Light from a sodium lamp passes through the grating and is diffracted onto a distant screen. How wide does this grating need to be to allow you to resolve the two lines 589.00 and...
  12. A

    Mass Spectrometry: How Do Different Masses Have Same Velocity?

    When different masses are accelerated by the same potential,the lighter mass should move with a greater velocity than that of the heavier one. But, how in the velocity selector in the Bainbridge mass spectrometer, different masses(isotopes) come out with same velocity?
  13. S

    Building Spectrometer: Signal Level, Footprint & Resolution

    I and my friend, want to build a spectrometer according to below graph basic information to design and build spectrometer are: signal level, Wavelength range, footprint and spectral resolution. we don't know two of them and that are footprint and signal level anybody can help us to...
  14. A

    Magnetic Field Mass Spectrometer Calculations

    Here's a practice diploma question I found on the internet, this isn't homework. I'm studying, I just need help on how to do this type of question. http://www.paulway.com/physics30/p30dips/p30jan2002.pdf (Page 11 Numerical Response #5) Answer: 4.80x10^-3 Homework Statement In the magnetic...
  15. S

    Does Centripetal Acceleration Increase Kinetic Energy in a Mass Spectrometer?

    I understand that in a mass spectrometer, a particle will first pass through an accelerometer to pick up speed (presumably starting from rest). Let's say you have an electron starting from rest being passed through a difference of 1000V, it should have a kinetic energy of 1000eV right before...
  16. S

    Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2.0

    (My apology if there already is a thread regarding the newly launched AMS-02, I didn't find it.) As I am sure most of you know the (second) Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer has been successfuly launched into orbit and is on its way to the ISS. I have two questions for any people here who are...
  17. W

    Bainbridge's mass spectrometer problem

    [b]1. Homework Statement Bainbridge's mass spectrometer, shown in Fig. 28-58 (look to this link for image- http://www.cramster.com/answers-apr-08/physics/solution-posted-correctly-bainbridges-mass-spectrometer-shown-fig-28-58-separat_226944.aspx) , separates ionshaving the same velocity. The...
  18. X

    Magnesium ion entering a mass spectrometer. find r

    Homework Statement A magnesium ion (Mg 2+) traveling at 60000 m/s enters a mass spectrometer with a magnetic field intensity of 800T. Calculate the radius of deflection forthe magnesium ion. 800T = |B| 24.31g/mol = m 60000 m/s = v 1.66* 10^-27= Atomic mass unit r=? Homework Equations r=...
  19. F

    Atomic Mass in a Mass Spectrometer

    Homework Statement Natural carbon consists of two different isotopes. The isotopes have different masses, which is due to different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus; however, the number of protons is the same, and subsequently, the chemical properties are the same. The most abundant isotope...
  20. B

    Discover the Relationship Between Mass and Charge in a Mass Spectrometer

    Edit: Sorry I just realized this should be in Introductory Physics. Can a moderator could please move it? Homework Statement Show that in a mass spectrometer, the mass to charge ratio, m/q is equal to: m/q = (B2r2)/(2\DeltaV) Homework Equations F = qvBsin\theta The Attempt at a Solution...
  21. L

    Angle Of Minimum Deviation (Prism & Spectrometer)

    Homework Statement Hello, one of the things I have to do for my lab report for this week is to prove that the angle between the left and right deviations of the telescope is twice the angle of minimum deviation. Its a lab where you have to find the refractive index of substances using a...
  22. P

    Mass Spectrometry Homework: Separating Uranium Ions

    Homework Statement A certain commercial mass spectrometer is used to separate uranium ions of mass 3.92 multiplied by 10-25 kg and charge 3.20 multiplied by 10-19 C from related species. The ions are accelerated through a potential difference of 110 kV and then pass into a uniform magnetic...
  23. T

    Electrical Can a Cathode Ray Tube be Used to Build a DIY Mass Spectrometer?

    I'm wondering if it would be plausible to use a cathode ray tube (crt) style monitor to build my own mass spectrometer. Unfortunately, commercial models are prohibitively expensive, but if I had plans or at least a good idea of how to build one, I have the nagging feeling I could. My idea is as...
  24. N

    Iron UV Spectrometer: Absorption in UV Radiations

    what is the absorption spectrum in UV radiations of iron?
  25. J

    Mass of Atom in a Mass Spectrometer

    Homework Statement A mass spectrometer yields the following data for a beam of doubly ionized atoms of a single element. B = 8.0*10^-2 T q = 2(1.60*10^-19 C) r = 0.077 m V = 156 V I am asked to solve for Mass (m) in kg. Homework Equations q/m=((2V)/((B^2)*(r^2))) I am only...
  26. S

    Simple Spectrometer and Spectroscopy Question

    Homework Statement Two first-order spectrum lines are measured by a 9650line/cm spectroscope at angles, on each side of the center, of +26*38', +41*02' and -26*18', -40*27'. Calculate the wavelengths based on these data.Homework Equations \lambda= (d/m)sin(\theta) The Attempt at a Solution i...
  27. M

    Solving Mass Spectrometer Homework Problem with 90SR+ Isotope

    Homework Statement I'm having problem with a couple parts of this problem. I know how to work it (I think), but I'm consistently off by a couple orders of magnitude off the answer provided by the professor. I've already found that the isotope 90SR+ needs to be given a speed of...
  28. B

    Find the wavelength in the lab of grating spectrometer?

    I did a lab today using this stuff. I need to learn how to find the wavelength of the 1st order of an unknown filament. My data is 600 lines/mm grating Purple line 15 degrees 30 minutes, 15.5 degrees using the equation of d sin (angle) = m (lambda) im supposed to get something like...
  29. R

    What Are the Concentrations of M2 and M3 in Electrolyte Solutions?

    Ok so for the first part my questions I do not understand how to start it off. 1. Calculate the concentration in molarity. 4.500 grams of CuSO4.2H2O is dissolved in water to make 250.0 mL solution. The concentration is labeled as M1. 2. A student used 10.0 ml of M1...
  30. J

    Is Understanding Mass Spectrometer Operation Essential for Proper Calibration?

    Is it necessary to know the procedure of operation of a mass spectrometer in order to select the correct calibration standards? The mass spectrometer will be used to determine the isotopic composition in a gas.
  31. M

    New type of mass spectrometer

    Hi I've attached the circuit as a word document, along with the question. I was not sure about the answers given, which I have copied below: Between plates field is uniform Acceleration is constant Energy gained = 2000e where does 2000 come from, isn't it 4? All ions have same F or same...
  32. L

    Solving Spectrometer Problem: Angle of Prism & Min Deviation

    Homework Statement folks, while i do spectrometer experiment to find the angle of the prism and angle of minimum deviation, i encounter the following problems. please let me know how to overcome that 1) i first do the initial adjustment with telescope pointing towards the distant object so...
  33. L

    Overcoming Spectrometer Experiment Problems: Tips for Accurate Results

    folks, while i do spectrometer experiment to find the angle of the prism and angle of minimum deviation, i encounter the following problems. please let me know how to overcome that 1) i first do the initial adjustment with telescope pointing towards the distant object so that i get a clear...
  34. H

    Bainbridge Mass Spectrometer - Finding the mass of ions

    In a particular spectrometer, doubly ionised C (atomic no. 6 mass no. 12) and singly ionised Li (atomic no. 3 mass no. 6) atoms are detected. The ratio of the path radii is 1.00252, the Li having the larger value. The fields are constant. a)Find the mass of the lithium ion. Okay so i...
  35. H

    Why can't sodium vapour lamp be used in spectrometer experiment

    i was working with a spectrometer and the aim of the experiment was to find the refractive index of a prism for various colors. i was asked specifically to use mercury vapor lamp and was insisted not to use sodium vapour lamp. why is it so?
  36. C

    Mass spectrometer conceptual question

    Homework Statement It's not really a book problem, just a question I encountered in my reading. For a mass spectrometer, if r = mv / qb, then r is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to charge. However, my reading says that the higher the mass, the less deflection. I...
  37. V

    Raman Spectrometry for CCL4: Intensity, Wavelengths & Basics

    Hello everybody. I am designing a simple Raman spectrometer for student analysis. I have used 532nm DPSS 40mW Laser for this purpose. The sample i like to try now is liquid CCL4. In some pages, i have seen that CCL4 show raman spectrum in yellow light., i.e we can see yellow light comin...
  38. L

    Question on themal conduction and a quick question on spectrometer

    This problem has been SOLVED.thx.Question 1 Homework Statement 1)The temperature of an ice layer,of thickness 50m, is -50 deg.C.If the ice layer continues to grow,find the timetaken for it to grow by another 1mm. Temperature at the bottom of ice layer is 0 deg.C 2)Calculate the minimum rate...
  39. C

    Magnetic field and Bainbridge mass spectrometer

    Homework Statement The electric field between the plates of the velocity selector in a Bainbridge mass spectrometer is 1.05 105 V/m, and the magnetic field in both regions is 0.520 T. A stream of singly charged selenium ions moves in a circular path with a radius of 31.0 cm in the magnetic...
  40. E

    Purpose of Entrance Slit in Spectrometer: Rgds Evidenso

    Hi Can anyone tell me the purpose of a entrance slit in a dispersive spectrometer. What is it good for? I guess it will create a single slit diffraction pattern. Why will this make the resolution better, instead of just colliminate the beam? Will the slit do some kind of Fourier filtering...
  41. R

    Finding the mass of an atom - bainbridge mass spectrometer question

    Q. In a particular spectrometer, doubly ionised \stackrel{12}{6}C and singly ionised \stackrel{6}{3}Li atoms are detected. The ratio of the path radii is 1.00252, the Li having the larger value. The fields are constant. Find the mass of of the lithium atom. I can only think of the equation...
  42. S

    Find angular seperation of spectral lines with a grating spectrometer

    Homework Statement find the angular separation between the red hydrogen-alpha spectral line at 656nm and the yellow sodium line at 589nm if the two are observed in third order with a 3500-line/cm grating spectrometer. Homework Equations maximum equation for multi-slit interference d...
  43. L

    Mass Spectrometer: Separating Ions & Calculating Energy

    If I was given that a mass spectrometer was used to separate ions of mass 3.92x10^-25 kg and charge 3.20x10^-19 C from other ions and the ions were accelerated through a potential difference of 80 kV and then sent into a uniform magnetic field, where they were bent in a path of radius 0.60 m and...
  44. K

    How Does Magnetic Field Strength Affect Ion Trajectory in a Mass Spectrometer?

    A mass spectrometer, sketched below, is a device used to separate different ions. Such ions with a well-defined velocity Vo enter through a slit into a region of uniform magnetic field B, where they follow a semicircular path until they strike the detector slit above the entry slit. The distance...
  45. R

    Is a Homemade Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Possible?

    Hi, I'm a french (old) amateur scientist developping an homemade TOF mass spectrometer and I'll be pleased to know other amateur realizations in this area. I've found an homemade TEM on the web, and that's all. If someone has already tried to built such a device or know a site where I can...
  46. L

    The Function of the Ceramic Disk in an HP 5971A Mass GC-MS

    Not sure where exactly this should go, as it's a hardware question rather than a homework problem or question about the theory behind it, so, sorry if it's the wrong place. But, I've been working on getting an old HP 5971A mass GC-MS up and running over the past semester, and there's a part...
  47. V

    Understanding Circular Motion: The Importance of F=(mv^2)/r in Mass Spectrometry

    I managed to do part a) of the question but got stuck on b). Why use F=(mv^2)/r for circular motion? And even if I use this equation, how do I find r, the radius? Thank you PV
  48. S

    What Is the Optimal Slit Width for a Visible Light Spectrometer?

    Homework Statement A visible light spectrometer has a grating of width D=10cm and a collimating lens of focal length L=1m. Show that the optimal width for the input slit is such that it will produce a diffraction pattern of width D. Homework Equations The diffraction pattern of a single...
  49. U

    How Do You Calculate Spatial Separation in a Mass Spectrometer?

    Can anyone help with this problem, I have tried it a number of ways and can not get the correct answer, thanks in advance. Two isotopes of carbon, carbon-12 and carbon-13, have masses of 19.93 10-27 kg and 21.59 10-27 kg, respectively. These two isotopes are singly ionized (+e) and each is...
  50. B

    Converting X Band Microwave Bench to Spectrometer

    i have a micorwave bench that operates in the X band.I want to know if i can convert it to a microwave spectrometer, with little modification,i have a gunn power supply, at the source end of the bench and a dielectric sample holder at the otherend. if i replace the termination next to the...
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