cell phone spectrometer

thingiverse

This is a custom remix of the cell phone microscope created by clarimer, modified using Tinkercad. The concept involves designing a holder to accommodate a diffraction grating in front of the phone's camera. A diffraction grating is essentially a transparent plastic component featuring numerous fine lines closely packed together. When white light passes through it, each color emerges at a distinct angle, separating them and projecting a vibrant rainbow effect. One simple method to obtain a diffraction grating substitute involves utilizing an old CD or DVD. By removing the printed portion (which contains metal), it becomes transparent and functions as a grating. CDs and DVDs possess a spiral pattern of lines where data is stored; after peeling, you can cut out a rectangular section from the plastic and secure it in place using tape or glue within the holder. Custom versions have been created for thicker phones or devices with cameras positioned farther away from the border.