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Diffraction-Grating-Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus

BEX-8518
Diffraction-Grating-Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus

he BEX-8518, jointly developed by Brolight and Southeast University, received the First Prize in the Self-Made Instrument Competition of the 13th National University Physics Experiment Teaching Symposium. It is a new-generation photoelectric effect system for university physics education.

Traditional experiments rely on mercury lamps and bandpass filters, providing only five discrete wavelengths (365, 405, 436, 546, 577 nm). The BEX-8518 overcomes this using a reflective diffraction grating monochromator and a dual light source system (low-pressure mercury lamp + broadband LED), delivering continuously tunable monochromatic light across the visible spectrum. The mercury lamp enables wavelength calibration, while the LED provides continuous spectral scanning.

All optical components are mounted on a precision optical breadboard with a fully visible optical path, allowing students to observe the complete collimation-dispersion-focusing sequence and eliminating the "black box" approach of traditional monochromators. The system supports both verification and inquiry-based experiments, suitable for general and modern physics lab courses.


Features of BEX-8518 Diffraction-Grating-Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus

  • Open-Structure Grating Monochromator – Fully visible optical path for intuitive understanding of dispersion principles

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  • Dual Light Sources – 45° flip mirror for quick switching between mercury lamp (calibration) and LED (continuous scanning)


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  • Continuously Tunable Wavelength – Breaks the 5-wavelength limitation, covering the visible spectrum

  • Innovative Opto-Mechanical Design: Ensures rapid optical path alignment and high positioning accuracy.

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  • Precision Optical Breadboard – Standard mounting holes for flexible component placement and experiment expansion

  • Hierarchical Teaching Approach: Rich experiment contents support instructors in designing progressive, multi-level teaching activities.


Experiments of BEX-8518 Diffraction-Grating-Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus

  • Observing grating diffraction and understanding the principles of light dispersion

  • Wavelength calibration of the diffraction grating monochromator

  • Current-voltage characteristic curve measurement (with different wavelength monochromatic light)

  • Spectral response characteristic testing of the photocathode (continuous wavelength scanning)

  • Investigating the relationship between photocurrent and incident light intensity

  • Exploring the variation of stopping potential with incident light frequency


Typical Data

Stopping Potential vs. Frequency Curve
Stopping Potential vs. Frequency Curve
Current-Voltage Characteristics at 497 nm Under Different Light Intensities
Current-Voltage Characteristics at 497 nm Under Different Light Intensities
Spectral Response Characteristics of the Photocathode Using a White LED
Spectral Response Characteristics of the Photocathode Using a White LED

Comparison with Traditional Apparatus

Feature

Traditional Filter-Based Apparatus (e.g., BEX-8504A)

Grating-Based Apparatus

(BEX-8518)

Dispersion Method

Mercury spectral lines + bandpass filters

Reflective diffraction grating monochromator

Available Wavelengths

Only 5 discrete wavelengths (365nm/405nm/436nm/546nm/577 nm)

Continuously tunable wavelengths (covering visible range)

Spectral Response Experiments

Not feasible (insufficient data points)

Full spectral response curve achievable

Optical Path Visibility

Enclosed "black box"

Open optical path, principles fully visible

Light Source System

Single mercury lamp

Mercury lamp + LED dual source system

Wave-Particle Duality Verification

Particle nature only (photoelectric effect)

Both wave nature (grating diffraction) and particle nature (photoelectric effect) on a single apparatus

Inquiry-Based Experiments

Limited

Supports design-oriented and inquiry-based experiments



Specifications of BEX-8518 Diffraction-Grating-Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus

Item

Specification

Dispersion Element

Reflective diffraction grating

Light Sources

Low-pressure mercury lamp (for wavelength calibration) + Broadband LED (for continuous spectrum)

Output Wavelength

Continuously tunable (covering visible range)

Wavelength Calibration

Mercury spectral lines: 365nm, 405nm, 436nm, 546nm, 577 nm

Optical Platform

Precision optical breadboard with open optical path

Current Measurement Range

10⁻⁸ A to 10⁻¹³ A

Voltage Output Range

-4.5 V to 0 V / -4.5 V to +30 V

Data Interface

Supports PASCO interface and data acquisition software

Power Input

110-120 V / 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz


What's Included

No.

Description

Qty.

1

Diffraction grating monochromator module (including collimation, dispersion, and focusing elements)

1

2

Low-pressure mercury lamp source

1

3

Broadband LED light source

1

4

Phototube receiver module

1

5

Precision optical breadboard

1

6

Diffraction Grating Based Photoelectric Effect Apparatus Controller (including current amplifier and adjustable constant voltage supply)

1

7

Wavelength adjustment dial

1


Contact Us
Brolight provides high-precision photonics instruments, ideal for both research and educational applications. Contact us today to request detailed product information and discover how our solutions can support your projects and create new opportunities.
Hangzhou Brolight Technology Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou Brolight Technology Co., Ltd.
CE
ISO 9001
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