Project A introduces a DIY near-IR spectrometer that can be built for around $500, a significant cost reduction compared to commercial spectrometers that can cost over $10,000. The spectrometer uses an InGaAs photodiode to measure light above ~1100 nm, which is outside the range of silicon-based cameras. The spectrometer consists of four components: a slit, a diffraction grating, a detector, and relaying optics. The article provides detailed instructions and highlights the simplicity and affordability of the DIY spectrometer. The author also explains the calibration process using a desk lamp and discusses the performance and resolution achieved with the spectrometer.
https://caoyuan.scripts.mit.edu/ir_spec.html