Standard Spectral Lines
Definition: spectral lines which are often used as wavelength references
More general term: spectral lines
German: Standard-Spektrallinien
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Author: Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta
Certain spectral lines – usually from common low-pressure gas discharge lamps used as spectral lamps – are frequently used as wavelength references. There are also laser lines which can fulfill similar purposes.
The refractive indices of optical materials (mostly optical glasses) are often specified at a number of standard wavelengths, in particularly at the lines C, C', D, d, e, F and F' (see Table 1).
| Wavelength | Color | Designation | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| 365.0146 nm | ultraviolet | i | mercury |
| 404.6561 nm | violet | h | mercury |
| 435.8343 nm | blue | g | mercury |
| 479.9914 nm | blue | F' | cadmium |
| 486.1327 nm | blue | F | hydrogen |
| 543.5 nm | green | green HeNe | helium–neon laser |
| 546.074 nm | green | e | mercury |
| 587.5618 nm | yellow | d | helium |
| 589.2938 nm | orange | D | sodium |
| 632.8 nm | red | red HeNe | helium–neon laser |
| 643.8469 nm | red | C' | cadmium |
| 656.2725 nm | red | C | hydrogen |
| 706.5188 nm | red | r | helium |
| 852.11 nm | infrared | s | cesium |
| 1013.98 nm | infrared | t | mercury |
Table 1: Table of spectral lines which are frequently used in optics.
See the article on laser lines for many more lines generated with lasers.
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See also: spectral lines, spectral lamps, wavelength, gas discharge lamps, laser lines
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