Improving and Characterizing a High Resolution Spectrograph For Use in Measuring the Zeeman Effect in Mercury Gas Emission Lines

Abstract

We have built and calibrated a high resolution spectrograph capable of resolving 0.024259±3.24x10−6 Angstroms per pixel. With several improvements to the instrument as well as extensive focusing, we have greatly increased the resolution of the spectro- graph to 0.008782 ± 3.24x10−6 Angstroms per pixel. The spectrograph displays a slight asymmetry in the emission lines, yet through careful data analysis we have determined several possible sources for line asymmetry. We have also made attempts to correct this asymmetry and make suggestions for further improvement. We further propose that the spectrograph is capable of resolving the Zeeman line splitting effect caused by a magnetic field introduced to the emission source if the field is greater than or equal to 631 gauss.