An educational spectrograph using a digital camera as a training aid for physics students

The paper considers the assembly, handling and performance of an educational spectrograph/spectrophotometer which uses an inexpensive mirrorless digital camera 1 with a removable lens as the array detector. Such a spectrograph is shown to be a good training aid for physics students because (1) the large sensor area permits the use of bigger optical components; (2) the spectrum which forms on the sensor is immediately visible in its original colours on the LCD screen; (3) the sensor is sufficiently sensitive to allow the measurement of all basic types of spectroscopic phenomena (including fluorescence); and (4) a relatively small amount of time is required for the preparation of such a setup.