Self-slitting spectroscope

Claim 2

A self-slitting spectroscope for the simultaneous viewing of spectral phenomena in the visible region by a plurality of observers comprising: a semi-cylindrical transmission grating, the area of said grating being sufficient to permit the simultaneous viewing of the grating by a plurality of observers; and, a self-slitting source of electromagnetic wave energy having a wavelength in the range from about 700 to about 400 nanometers, said source being mounted on the axis of said transmission grating whereby a plurality of observers may simultaneously view spectral phenomena in the visible region.

Claim 3

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 1 wherein said grating is laminated between sheets of plastic.

Claim 4

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 1 wherein said source is a gas discharge tube.

Claim 5

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 1 wherein said source is a tungsten wire having a width less than about 10 millimeters.

Claim 6

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 1 wherein the radius of said grating is not less than about 1 foot.

Claim 7

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 5 wherein said grating is laminated between sheets of plastic; and wherein said source is a tungsten wire having a diameter less than about 10 millimeters.

Claim 8

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 6 wherein the height of said grating is substantially equal to the radius thereof.

Claim 9

The self-slitting spectroscope of claim 1 wherein the height of said grating is substantially equal to the radius thereof.

Claim 10

A self-slitting spectroscope for the simultaneous viewing of spectral phenomena in the visible region by a plurality of persons comprising: a housing having an elongated aperture in one wall thereof; an elongated source of electromagnetic energy at a wavelength in the range from about 700 to 400 nanometers; means for mounting said source in the aperture in said one wall of said housing; a transmission grating including a transparent material having a height of not less than about 6 inches, an area not less than about 1 square foot and being ruled with not less than about 6, 000 lines to the inch; and means for mounting said transmission grating at a distance not less than about 1 foot from the aperture in said one wall whereby a plurality of observers may simultaneously view spectral phenomena in the visible region.

Claim 11

A self-slitting spectroscope for the simultaneous viewing of spectral phenomena in the visible region by a plurality of persons comprising: a housing having an elongated aperture in one wall thereof; an elongated source of electromagnetic energy at a wavelength in the range from about 700 to 400 nanometers; means for mounting said source in the aperture in said one wall of said housing; a transmission grating including a transparent material having a height of not less than about 6 inches, an area not less than about 1 square foot and being ruled with not less than about 6, 000 lines to the inch; and means for mounting said transmission grating at a distance not less than about 1 foot from the aperture in said one wall whereby a plurality of observers may simultaneously view spectral phenomena in the visible region.