spectrometer

While this may be stretching the limits of time-nuts...

I think I saw a question asking what was used to measure the recently
posted LED spectra but other than a passing comment about a diode
spectrometer, if there was an answer I can't find it.

I'm curious to know a little more about what was used to measure the LED
spectra.  Not familiar with a "diode spectrometer" and Google is not
being very helpful.  The last time I measured optical spectra was a long
long time ago using a PE UV/Visible spectrophotometer in the early days
of semiconductor manufacturing - used it to measure dielectric thickness
(on 1 inch and eventually 2 inch wafers).  I'm interested in looking at
the spectra of CF lamps - something which may not be realistic since we
retired folks no longer have access to the fun (and expensive) lab
equipment we used in our pre-retirement days.

JoeC

I too would like to know more about the tool used to create those plots.

What I use is a 'manual' direct vision spectrophotometer which I
bought from Surplus Shed:

http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/i1479d.html

for $49 you can't really go wrong...however, when I have a bit of
spare coin I plan on buying a better one:

http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l3524.html

You see, the $93 one actually has a scale in it, the cheap one does not!

They also sell much higher grade ones for $200-400 that do a good
deal more (angle measurements etc).

But nothing that attaches to a computer for pretty plots.  So I'm
intrigued as well.

Tom Frank, KA2CDK

The Spectrometer I used is an Ocean Optics HR2000. It's a small box about
2" x 4" x 6" and has a FO input and a USB connection. It is powered from
my laptop via the USB port.

I bought mine at an MIT Flea Market last summer. The SW is available from
the manufacturer.

I don't recall what I paid, but it was certainly less than $250. If
anybody is interested in one, I still have the seller's contact
information. He may still have them.

I believe these particular units came from a biomedical analyzer of some
sort. The gratings (hence the dispersion) can be changed at the factory,
but it costs something like $500 last seen.

Best,
-John

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J. Forster wrote:

I work with a fellow who makes custom gas discharge lamps (you need a
spectra, he makes the light!) and we bought an OO from the company.
About $2k.  I'd LOVE to have a second one so yes, please post the name
of the guy who had those.

John

--
John DeArmond
Tellico Plains, Occupied TN
http://www.neon-john.com    <-- email from here
http://www.johndearmond.com <-- Best damned Blog on the net
PGP key: wwwkeys.pgp.net: BCB68D77

OK. I'll look for the guy's contac info, but it might take a day or two.

-John

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