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How to Adjust the Slit Width of a Spectroscope

A spectroscope is a valuable device that shows different elements as bands of color. Each element emits its own unique color pattern, and spectroscopy is one of the primary methods by which we can study stars. A spectroscope must be carefully adjusted to allow the right amount of light into the device for the clearest, most accurate results. Adjusting the slit size on a basic spectroscope, such as one used in a college or university laboratory, is not difficult.

Instructions

- 1
  Look into the eyepiece of the spectroscope. The eyepiece is round and is on the telescope portion of the spectrometer; they usually have two tubes, a telescope and a collimator. Adjust the eyepiece until the crosshairs are sharp and in focus. Typically, you move the eyepiece itself to adjust it. There may be a ring that holds the eyepiece in place. You must loosen it before adjusting the eyepiece, then tighten it again to hold it in place.
- 2
  Point the end of the telescope opposite the eyepiece at a very distant object, such as an item at the end of a long hallway or an object outside of a window. The farther away the object, the better. Focus the end of the telescope on this object. Your particular spectrometer will most likely have a knob near the eyepiece for this purpose.
- 3
  Look for a knob on the collimator. This knob adjusts the slit width. Make sure that the slit is partially open, then turn the telescope and collimator portions of the spectrometer so that they face one another across the spectrometer table, with the eyepiece and slit at opposite sides.
- 4
  Look through the eyepiece and turn the knob by the slit entrance until the slit is sharp and in focus. Your spectrometer may have a second knob for fine adjustment as well.

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