Foldable Mini-Spectrometer

Welcome! This page includes full instructions to assembling the Public Lab Foldable Mini-Spectrometeter.

Buy one from our store

This page is being actively improved, so be sure to check back soon to see if more content has been added.

Using your spectrometer

Once you've assembled your spectrometer and are ready to use it, plug it in and visit SpectralWorkbench.org to begin recording data with it. The web-based software works in the Chrome and Opera browsers with more coming soon.

(Peer) Support

Public Lab is not a corporation, we're an open community of DIY environmental science researchers which you have just joined! The best place to get help is the spectrometry mailing list; to join, register on this site and be sure to check the "plots-spectrometry" box.

The spectrometry mailing list is made up of people like you, who are building and improving open source spectrometry techniques. Ask questions, look for help, and consider helping others too!

Resources

more Assembly instructions
Using the software
Background about the project
peer-contributed research on open source spectrometry

Make your own

Whether or not you buy one on our store, you can follow these instructions to assemble your own Foldable Mini-Spectrometer: 8.5x11mini-spec3.8.pdf (550 kB)

Assembly Photos

Cut out along the outer edge if not already cut out.

Fold as indicated by the lines. Thinly dotted lines are folded down, dashed lines folded up.

Glue or tape together. Start with the top flap and make sure the edges are aligned.

Except for the Diffraction grating on door, glue or tape all flaps down to the outside.

To make a diffraction grating from a DVD-R, peel back the reflective layer, and cut a small square out of the transparent layer.

Tape or glue down the DVD-R diffraction grating to the inside of the spectrometer so that the diffraction grating is vertical, producing a horizontal spectral rainbow. Then glue the door closed.

Attach The spectrometer to a webcam with the aid of a box, to a phone, or to a computer.

Illustrated Assembly Guide

Cut out along the outer edge if not already cut out.

Fold as indicated by the lines. Thinly dotted lines are folded down, dashed lines folded up.

Except for the Diffraction grating on door, glue or tape all flaps down to the outside.

To make a diffraction grating from a DVD-R, cu a square from the outer edge. The DVD has is two layers of plastic. Peel back the reflective layer, and cut a small square out of the transparent layer.

Tape or glue down the DVD-R diffraction grating to the inside of the spectrometer so that the diffraction grating is vertical, producing a horizontal spectral rainbow. Then glue the door closed.