Monochromator (High-Intensity / Dimmable / High-Resolution)

First prototype for a cheap, high-efficiency visible monochromator, using an inexpensive 1000 lines/mm replica transmission grating.

Non-Printed Components ($50-60):
- Cree XP-E2 LED (Centaurus module by LuxDrive; $5)
- Khatod PL1672UN Optic ($5)
- Khatod PL1672 Optic Holder ($2)
- BuckPuck DC LED Drivers (1000 mA; dimmable; $20)
- 40x40x20mm Heat Sink ($5)
- 40x40x20mm 12V DC Fan ($5)
- 12V, 2A DC Power Supply ($5)

- Diffraction Grating (1000 lines/mm; replica transmission grating; $2)
- Collimating Lens (I used a salvaged f3.5 meniscus lens from a thrift slide projector; $5)


Light Source:
I initially used a simple white 5mm LED as a light source and collimated it using a plano-convex lens, but this didn't give a strong flux for fluorescence measurements. Because of this, I upgraded to a Cree XP-E2 LED and Khatod 1672UN optic (w/ optic holder), powered by a dimmable 1000mA DC LED driver. This produces an intense, relatively broadband beam of visible l