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Home-made N-channel fiber-optic spectrometer from a web camera
Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn1, Yuttana Intaravanne
1Intelligent Devices and Systems Research Unit, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center, 112 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. sarun.sumriddetchkajorn@nectec.or.th
Applied Spectroscopy
|October 4, 2012
Summary
This study shows a low-cost, five-channel fiber-optic spectrometer using a webcam. It achieves accurate wavelength analysis for educational and quality control applications, costing under $100.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Spectroscopy
- Instrumentation
Background:
- Traditional fiber-optic spectrometers can be expensive.
- There is a need for cost-effective spectroscopic tools for education and small businesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a low-cost, multichannel fiber-optic spectrometer using a commercial web camera.
- To assess its suitability for educational and quality-control applications.
Main Methods:
- Arranged N (five) input optical fibers in a line.
- Used an external dispersive element to separate spectral components.
- Imaged spectral components onto a web camera's 2D sensor via a plastic lens.
Main Results:
- Implemented a five-channel webcam-based fiber-optic spectrometer.
- Achieved wavelength analysis in the 400 to 655 nm range.
- Determined peak wavelengths with < 0.5 nm error.
Conclusions:
- Webcams can serve as effective, low-cost multichannel fiber-optic spectrometers.
- The system is suitable for educational purposes and SME quality control.
- The constructed spectrometer offers a cost-effective solution at approximately $92.50.
