DIY Spectrometer

Build your own spectrometer—get involved instead of just watching

Our DIY spectrometer is based on the e9u-TCD1304DG-STD/PRO line scan cameras and is ideal for schools, universities, research institutions, and maker labs. It is designed as a do-it-yourself spectrometer so that its structure and functionality can be learned not only in theory but also through practical experience.

Building the spectrometer yourself promotes understanding of optical spectroscopy and illustrates physical relationships.

Educational added value for STEM teaching and university instruction

A homemade spectrometer helps to anchor learning content in the long term. Anyone who builds a Czerny-Turner spectrometer themselves will gain a much better understanding of the beam path and how optical components work. The open design makes all components visible and easy to understand. The system is robust and can be maintained or adjusted independently by students.

Flexibility through 3D printing and open blueprints

All mounts for mirrors, diffraction gratings, and slits can be manufactured using standard 3D printers. This allows for individual adaptations to different experiments. Housings can also be produced using 3D printing or laser cutters. CAD files are freely available, making modifications and extensions easy to implement.

Individually configurable spectrometer design

The DIY spectrometer can be adapted to different requirements:

• Entrance slit: 10 µm, 30 µm, 100 µm
• Mirror focal lengths: 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm
• Diffraction grating: 300, 600, or 1200 lines per millimeter
• Light guide: plastic guide or glass fiber

These options make it possible to optimize resolution, sensitivity, and spectral range specifically for teaching or research.

High-quality technology despite a DIY approach

The DIY spectrometer uses high-quality optoelectronic components, including a CCD detector with 3648 pixels, developed as part of a BMBF project. This enables low-noise, high-resolution measurements—even with weak signals or long integration times.

A wide range of application examples and teaching ideas

The DIY spectrometer is suitable for numerous experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science:

• Spectra of light sources
• Emission and absorption measurements
• Transmission measurements of dyes
• Development of your own evaluation software

Our website features many published application examples, including sample spectra, which can serve as templates for your own experiments.

Accessories and open-source character

Planned additions include calibration light sources, UV fluorescence modules, adjustment aids, and Peltier cooling. The project is completely open source, including CAD files, control libraries, and sample code in C++ and Python.

The first prototypes of our spectrometers are already in use, and soon both the DIY spectrometers as finished devices or kits, as well as individual components, will be available through our Maker Web Shop.

Replication instructions are currently available upon request. Please contact us via email.

Follow us on LinkedIn, for example, if you want to stay up to date.