Why would you not be able to use a CD diffraction grating to measure the wavelength of laser light?
https://www.nnin.org/sites/default/files/files/Karen_Rama_USING_CDs_AND_DVDs_AS_DIFFRACTION_GRATINGS_0.pdf
Thank you very much for this file. It was really helpful. (-:
You would not be able to use a CD diffraction grating to measure the wavelength of laser light because the CD's diffraction grating consists of microscopic grooves that are of a specific size and spacing that are optimized for reflecting and diffracting visible light. However, laser light usually has a much narrower wavelength range and is often composed of a single, specific wavelength.
To measure the wavelength of laser light accurately, you would need a diffraction grating specifically designed for that narrow wavelength range. These specialized diffraction gratings are made with precise spacings between the grooves, tailored for a particular wavelength. They are often made using techniques like holography or ion beam etching to achieve the required precision.
So, while a CD diffraction grating is suitable for measuring the wavelength of visible light in general, it is not appropriate for accurately measuring the wavelength of laser light due to its limited range and specificity. To measure the wavelength of laser light, you would need a dedicated diffraction grating designed specifically for that laser's wavelength.