Spark Spectrum
Sparkstarter Spectroscopes
In this video, I walk through several DIY spectroscope designs, from laser-cut to 3D-printed builds and a custom “infrared hunter” version. I break down how each one works, show real spectra in action, and explain the design choices along the way.
Best of all, I’m open-sourcing all the design files so you can build these yourself with a 3D printer or laser cutter. If you’re curious about spectroscopy or hands-on science projects, this is a great place to start.
Got Diffraction Gratings?
The product is a diffraction grating slide designed for spectrometers, with 1000 lines per millimeter.
Ideal for use in scientific and educational settings, this diffraction grating slide is a crucial component in spectroscopic instruments for analyzing light wavelengths and detecting small changes in spectra. It provides accurate measurements for various applications.
Spectrum Scout 3D Print File
3D Printer STL file for spectroscope housing.
IR Hunter Spectroscope 3D Print File
3D Printer STL file for spectroscope housing.
Spectroscope LID 3D Print File
3D Printer STL file for spectroscope cover lid, works for both Spectrum Scout and IR Hunter
Spectroscope Camera Holder 3D Print File
3D Printer STL file for spectroscope camera Holder, works for both Spectrum Scout and IR Hunter. Compatible with the following webcam or similar.
1080P 850nm IR Infrared Night Vision USB Camera Auto IR-Cut Switching All-Day Image USB2.0 Webcam
Spectroscope Toggle Switch Holder 3D Print File
3D Printer STL file for camera holder toggle Switch, works for the IR Hunter Spectroscope. Allows user to toggle webcam between Color and Infrared spectrum.
Free Spectrum Analysis Software
My spectroscope projects use the Thermino V3.1 Software. You can upload spectrum pictures from a camera, but for best results use a webcam feed to the software. I did not develop this software I’m just hosting a download link to make it easy to find the file. Full credit to the Thermino check their spectroscope page for new versions.
Spectrum Reference for Common Elements
When looking at spectrum tubes with your spectroscope it can be hard to tell what elements are present with the abundance of emission lines. PDF linked below helps you identify the spectral emissions of some common elements.
Volts to Wavelength Calculator
Calculator allows user to enter the voltage measured across a vacuum chamber, then computes electron energy in electron volts, and then computes wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. Calculator assumes 100% conversion of electron kinetic energy into EM radiation.
Spectroscope LZR
My original spectroscope design, it was a little bit primitive but worked good. This design is for those few people that have access to a laser cutter but not a 3D printer. See below for laser cutter SVG files.
Spectroscope LZR SVG File(s)
Laser Cutter SVG file for spectroscope housing.
Spectroscope Measurement Scale (Download)
