To mount to a dynamics track
1. Loosen the mounting screws without removing the nut or
the screw from the apparatus.
2. Insert the front square nut into the center slot of a
Dynamics Track Carriage, then tighten the front mounting
screw (Figure 3).
3. Insert the rear square nut into the center slot of another
Dynamics Track Carriage, then tighten the rear mounting
screw.
4. Snap the Dynamics Track Carriages on the desired position
on the track with the aperture facing the opposite end of the
track.
Use the two remaining Dynamics Track Carriages to mount the
laser and diffraction slits to the dynamics track.
Figure 3. Diffraction Scanner mounted to two Dynamics Optics
Carriages.
Taking Measurements
The Wireless Diffraction Scanner combines a position sensor
with a light sensor for scanning diffraction patterns. PASCO
Capstone or SPARKvue are used to plot light intensity versus
position of the diffraction pattern.
NOTE: It is also possible to set the Wireless
Diffraction Scanner to remotely log data while not
connected to the computer, allowing the stored
data to be accessed later. For more information
on data logging, see the PASCO Capstone and
SPARKvue online help.
Light Intensity
The Diffraction Scanner contains a slit aperture centered on a
white screen. The width of the aperture can be changed to
control the spatial resolution and amount of light entering the
light intensity sensor. Six apertures of different widths are
installed on a wheel inside of the Diffraction Scanner casing
(Figure 4). The approximate widths of the apertures are 0.1 mm,
0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm.
Change the aperture width by turning the aperture knob. Select
a wider slit to allow more light into the sensor, or select a
narrower slit to improve the spatial resolution.
Figure 4. Aperture wheel inside the Diffraction Scanner casing.
NOTE: It is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the
light sensor using Capstone. Upon connecting to
the device, select the gear icon next to
"Diffraction Intensity Sensor". This will open the
Properties menu, which includes the option to set
the sensor to High, Medium, or Low sensitivity.
Position
The light sensor is mounted on a track that can move laterally by
turning the crank on the side of the Diffraction Scanner. The
position is measured by a rotary encoder attached to the crank.
To obtain the best data, turn the crank at a slow rate.
Replacement Parts
Replacement parts can be purchased from the PASCO website.
Contact Technical Support if the part you need is not listed
below.
•PS-3584 Micro USB Cable
Specifications and accessories
Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/OS-8441 to view
the specifications and explore accessories. You can also
download experiment files and support documents from the
product page.
Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the
PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable
student handouts and teacher notes. Visit
pasco.com/freelabs/OS-8441.
Technical Support
Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical
Support staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you
through any issues.
Chat pasco.com
Phone 1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA)
+1 916 462 8384 (outside USA)
Email support@pasco.com
Product Guide | 012-16243C
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