The spectrometer is a scientific instrument used to separate and measure components of light. Spectrometers are used in astronomy and chemistry for their capability to determine chemical composition of materials. Or it can help you to determine the spectrum of a lamp, an LED or even a laser. In visible light a spectrometer can separate white light and measure individual bands of color, called a spectrum (rainbow pattern).

This fully 3D printed fiber spectrometer is easy to build and functional instrument. The optical fiber (Toslink, same as used for audio devices) guides the light into the spectrometer where the wavelengths of the light are separated by a diffraction grating (1000 lines/mm). A tiny USB laptop camera sends an image of the spectrum to a computer or even a smart phone (via OTG cable). On the computer you can see the rainbow pattern and analyze the intensity of light as a function of wavelength with an online-software.

To read the spectrum the PublicLabs online “Spectral Workbench” can be used. Or the Theremino Spectrometer software.

Inside of the open fiber spectrometer.

Once the case is 3D printed and the spectrometer build, the spectrometer can be used to explore light sources in so called optical emission spectrometry.

With the optical fiber the spectrometer can easily be expanded by 3D printing more accessories. The 3D printed cuvette holder and can then do optical absorption spectrometry and analyse the color of liquids using cuvettes.

A kit with all the parts needed to print and build your own spectrometer can be found on GaudiShop here.
With Full instructions on how to assemble the spectrometer:
Instructions Version 1 (Visible Spectrum)
Instructions Version 2 (Visible and Infrared Spectrum)