DIY High resolution spectrometer

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on enhancing the resolution of the BW Tek BTC100-2s spectrometer, which utilizes a Czerny-Turner configuration. Key specifications include a spectral range of 400-640nm, a 50µm slit size, and a 1800 lines/mm grating blazed at 500nm. Suggestions for improvement include using a different grating for wider dispersion and replacing mirror "E" with one of varying curvature to optimize light focus on the detector. These modifications aim to effectively expand and focus light after the slit onto the Sony ILX511 CCD detector.

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  • Understanding of Czerny-Turner spectrometer design
  • Knowledge of optical components such as gratings and mirrors
  • Familiarity with light focusing techniques
  • Basic principles of spectroscopy and resolution enhancement
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TL;DR
Help in modify a BW tek BTC100-2s spectrometer to improve its resolution while decreasing the spectral range.
Hello All,

I recently purchased a BW Tek BTC100-2s spectrometer from eBay. It has fairly good specifications, but I have been wondering if there is an inexpensive way to improve its resolution. The spectrometer uses a Czerny-Turner configuration. My plan was to place a slit at the focal length where the detector (F) would be, then expand that narrow section of the spectrum to fill the detector. However, I have been struggling with how to efficiently expand and focus the light after the slit onto the detector. Here are some of the specs for the spectrometer:

  • Spectral range: 400-640nm
  • Slit size: 50µm
  • Grating: 1800 lines/mm, blazed at 500nm
  • Detector: Sony ILX511 2048 Pixel CCD
  • Pixel spacing: 14µm
  • Pixel size: 200µm
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Maybe use a different grating? One with a wider dispersion.

Or replace mirror "E" with one of different curvature (or even flat?). This would spread out the spectrum that falls on the detector.
 
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