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group2:final_design_details 2008/12/09 15:28 group2:final_design_details 2008/12/09 16:16 current
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-====== Final Design Details ======+====== Final Design Details: LooK at the bottom for a link to more information ======
There are two accessible methods to disperse light and study its spectrum: dispersion using a diffraction grating and dispersion using a prism. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to both methods. The diffraction grating produces a wider angle of dispersion (the resulting spectrum is much wider than that of a prism, making it easier to work with), but produces several orders of the spectrum. These orders do not usually interfere with each other, unless they are of a higher order, but the unwanted orders still need to be considered. The diffraction grating dissipates the light a lot more than the prism and costs slightly more. The prism on the other hand is less expensive, produces only one diffraction pattern, and does not dissipate the light much. The only drawback is that the spectrum is narrow compared to that of a diffraction grating. There are two accessible methods to disperse light and study its spectrum: dispersion using a diffraction grating and dispersion using a prism. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to both methods. The diffraction grating produces a wider angle of dispersion (the resulting spectrum is much wider than that of a prism, making it easier to work with), but produces several orders of the spectrum. These orders do not usually interfere with each other, unless they are of a higher order, but the unwanted orders still need to be considered. The diffraction grating dissipates the light a lot more than the prism and costs slightly more. The prism on the other hand is less expensive, produces only one diffraction pattern, and does not dissipate the light much. The only drawback is that the spectrum is narrow compared to that of a diffraction grating.
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A regular silicon diode was chosen, because it is inexpensive and covers the visible spectrum. The diode will be mechanically moved across the whole spectrum, and will provide information about position vs intensity. The position can then be converted to wavelength. A microcontroller will be used to move the diode and read the data. A regular silicon diode was chosen, because it is inexpensive and covers the visible spectrum. The diode will be mechanically moved across the whole spectrum, and will provide information about position vs intensity. The position can then be converted to wavelength. A microcontroller will be used to move the diode and read the data.
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 +[[Electrical Design]]

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