High-resolution improvised lightbulb spectra

Here’s a high-resolution 2nd order spectra of one of our high-tech fluorescent spotlights. Note the green doublet.


So, a few scientists were questioning the details of my methods and reproducibility of my spectra, so here are some more details, and tips to get better resolution.

Firstly, the “line” is actually a monochromatic image of the light source, so masking the source with a slit will narrow the bands.


The following picture with low zoom shows the camera, light source, and 1st order diffraction spectra all reflected in the CD- this is the same source in the picture above.


I didn’t have quite as much luck with these old-fashioned tube fluoros:


But still got this first-order spectra:


A fancy-pants new “warm” compact gave me the following first order spectra. The ceilings of the second 2 rooms were too bright to get nice second order spectra.


So what did y’all do with your Friday night?