Science project: Spectroscope -> LIBS

Can we figure out what things are made from by zapping them with a laser and looking at the colors in the light?

First we're going to try building spectroscopes and you get to keep one. A spectroscope lets you see the different wavelengths (colors) in light and can be used for many different science projects. If you add a digital camera you can measure the spectrum and have a full spectrometer. A very detailed guide is available here and shows many spectra and experiments including identifying foods, oils, and fluorescence.

If we're successful we also have some lasers that could be used to do laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which means zapping something with a laser and seeing what colors are in the light. LIBS can identify different elements, so we're curious if the brass that we have has any lead in it.

We have diffraction gratings and materials to build things. If you already have a spectrometer you can bring it to compare.

Our door can be hard to find! There are directions on our website linked here. We are located next to Market Basket in the same building as Little India (behind Milk Row cemetery). The door is located near the South West corner on the South wall of the building, and is painted white with 438R/440R written in blue on it. The building may be labeled 438 Somerville ave, 440R and 438R depending upon where you look. Please press the Cambridge Hackspace doorbell which is on the left side of the door frame and a bit above the door knob. The doorbell glows so it is easier to find at night.