What is a Diffraction Grating?

Mar 19, 2017 | Glossary of Spectroscopy Terms, Spectrograph

Also called a grating for short, a diffraction grating is by far the most common dispersive element in spectrographs these days. As might be guessed, diffraction gratings work through diffraction. The gratings can be transmissive or reflective, but the principles are...

What is Dispersion (concept)?

Mar 19, 2017 | Glossary of Spectroscopy Terms, Spectrograph

Generally, dispersion is an effect that happens because the velocity of waves in a material depends on wavelength. This manifests in many different phenomenon, but only one is encountered on a regular basis: the index of refraction is dependent on wavelength. This...

What is a Spectrograph?

Mar 19, 2017 | Glossary of Spectroscopy Terms, Spectroscopy

What is a Spectrograph? A spectrograph is an optical device that separates light into its individual wavelengths, allowing the spectral content of a light source or sample to be analyzed. It is a key component of a spectrometer and is responsible for dispersing...

What are Fiber Optics?

Mar 19, 2017 | Glossary of Spectroscopy Terms, Optics

Fiber optics is a subset of optics that deals with how light behaves in fibers. Fibers are cables that are made of materials like glass or plastic and clad in something with a lower index of refraction than the core. Choosing the appropriate materials for the core and...

What is Refraction?

Mar 19, 2017 | Glossary of Spectroscopy Terms, Properties of Light

Refraction is when a light beam changes direction after entering a new medium. This is why objects in the water are seen at a different place from where they actually are; the light has been “bent” when exiting the water. The image below shows light being refracted...