Note: Retrofitting an analog spectrometer for high resolving power in NUV-NIR.

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Optical Engineering
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Traditional spectrometers often rely on outdated photographic film detection methods.
• Analog instruments may lack the sensitivity and resolution of modern digital detectors.
• Upgrading existing scientific equipment can be cost-effective and reduce electronic waste.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an efficient method for retrofitting analog spectrometers with digital imaging components.
• To achieve high spectral resolution across a broad wavelength range using a modified older instrument.
• To assess the practicality of digital retrofitting for research and educational settings.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a narrow, laser-cut slit into an older spectrometer.
• Installation of a modern, micrometer-pixel-size, scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera.
• Characterization of the retrofitted spectrometer's performance in the near ultraviolet to near infrared (NUV-NIR) spectral range.

Main Results:

• Sub-picometer (sub-pm) spectral resolution achieved across the NUV-NIR range.
• Resolving power approaching 10⁶ demonstrated with the retrofitted instrument.
• Successful validation of the digital retrofitting technique for enhanced spectroscopic analysis.

Conclusions:

• Digital retrofitting of analog spectrometers is a feasible and effective upgrade path.
• The modified instrument provides high-resolution spectroscopic capabilities suitable for advanced research.
• This approach offers a practical solution for enhancing laboratory instrumentation in both research and teaching environments.