spektrométer

A spektrometer is an instrument used to measure the properties of light or other electromagnetic radiation as a function of wavelength. These properties typically include intensity, which is the amount of radiation present at each wavelength. The fundamental principle behind most spektrometers involves dispersing the incoming radiation into its constituent wavelengths. This is commonly achieved using a prism or a diffraction grating. Once dispersed, a detector measures the intensity of the radiation at each specific wavelength.

The resulting data, a spectrum, provides a unique "fingerprint" of the substance or phenomenon being analyzed. Different materials absorb, emit, or reflect light at characteristic wavelengths, allowing scientists to identify unknown substances, determine their concentration, or study their physical state. Applications of spektrometers are widespread across various scientific disciplines, including chemistry for molecular identification and analysis, astronomy for studying stars and galaxies, physics for understanding atomic and molecular structures, and environmental science for monitoring pollutants.

The components of a typical spektrometer include a light source (if the sample doesn't emit its own light), a slit to control the width of the incoming beam, a dispersing element (prism or grating), and a detector. The detector can range from simple photodiodes to more complex charge-coupled devices (CCDs). The resolution of a spektrometer, its ability to distinguish between closely spaced wavelengths, is a crucial performance metric.