wire diffraction grating
Date: circa 1920
Inventory Number: 2006-1-0052
Classification: Diffraction Grating
Maker: American
User: Oak Ridge Station (1931 - 2005)
User: George R. Agassiz Station, Harvard (1951 - 1982)
User: Harvard College Observatory (founded 1839)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
2.5 × 19.1 × 19 cm (1 × 7 1/2 × 7 1/2 in.)
Description:
Bare copper wires are stretched across a circular aperture of 4.75 inches in diameter and held in a frame of 7.5 inches diameter. There are approximately 16 wires per inch. They are held in place by screws, which can also tighten them.
The wire diffraction grating is designed to go over the end of telescope of approximately 6.5 inches in diameter.
The wire diffraction grating is designed to go over the end of telescope of approximately 6.5 inches in diameter.
Signedunsigned
InscribedStamped: HCO / 1701
FunctionThis form of diffraction grating would be put on the end of telescope tube and produce a spectrograph of whatever was observed with the telescope.
The distance between the wires (about 1.5 lines per mm) suggests it was used for microwave or infrared radiation.
The distance between the wires (about 1.5 lines per mm) suggests it was used for microwave or infrared radiation.
Historical AttributesUsed by Harvard College Observatory at its Oak Ridge Station.
ProvenanceHarvard College Observatory, Oak Ridge Station; transfer to CHSI in 2005.