Diffraction gratings separate polychromatic “white” light into individual wavelengths. Dispersed light is then reimaged by the monochromator/spectrograph so that individual wavelengths can be directed into a detection system or sample.

Efficient Wavelength Isolation

Gratings are used to split incident light into several beams spread over multiple directions. They are used alongside spectrometers to measure wavelength intensity over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This provides information about the sample by producing a spectral fingerprint.

Variable Resolution Options

When using a grating, the direction in which the incident light is separated is dependent on the beam wavelength and the spacing of the grating. If there are more ridges on the grating, the spectra produced will have a sharper pattern. However, this will be over a smaller region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, finer gratings are used for high resolution and coarser gratings are used for broad spectral range.

Enhanced Reflectivity Coatings

Each grating is supplied with a bare aluminum coating, offering approximately 85-90% reflectivity from the UV – NIR. This increases to 98% in the SWIR and MIR.