Lights, Spectrometer, Action!
Dr Robin Wilson
- Regions:
- Surrey, West Sussex, Oxfordshire, East Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Hereford
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Any
- Fee:
- Paid: £100
- Category:
- Science
- Updated:
- 29th August 2026
- Tagged:
- Light | Science | Satellite | Live Demos
This talk is focused around using a spectrometer - which is a device that measures the amount of light at each wavelength (colour). With around twenty live demos during the talk, I’ll start with looking at some different light sources (incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, LEDs, sunlight, LCD displays) and then take a look at how a spectrometer works and what is inside the box. I’ll then introduce some other useful bits of kit, including a very expensive sheet of white plastic and a ‘sphere’ that has a surprisingly cuboid shape.
My background is in satellite imaging - which basically uses spectrometers mounted on satellites - so we’ll do a live look at the reflectance graphs we get for things we might be able to see from a satellite, like vegetation, soil and water and try to understand what causes these specific spectra. We’ll link these to real satellite images and cover some of the problems with doing spectroscopy from space - and even explain why a friend of mine did a whole PhD on the reflectance spectra of a concrete runway in the UK.
I'll finish by giving some live demos of the use of spectroscopy in chemistry - looking at the absorption and emission of light by chemicals and chemical processes.
I will bring all the equipment needed for the live demo, but will need a fairly large table, and ideally the ability to close curtains and/or turn off stage lights in the room where I give the talk.
Views: 16 | Enquiries: 0About Dr Robin Wilson
I am a professional speaker on a number of topics including satellite imaging, geography and computing. I have a First Class degree in Geography, and PhD in satellite imaging & computer science from the University of Southampton.
As well as giving talks, I currently work as a freelance geospatial software engineer, working with clients ranging from small community groups to multi-national corporations to store, process and visualise geographic data such as satellite images and maps.
I am happy to give talks online or in person, although for in-person talks you should be aware that I use a wheelchair.
I am based in Southampton, but willing to travel reasonable distances to give talks - always feel free to ask even if you're a bit further away, the worst I can say is no!
Feedback from previous talks has included:
- "The talk that Robin gave to our group was excellent. The clever animated video clips, accompanied by a clear vocal description gave an easily-understood picture of the underlying principles involved. The wide range of topics taken from situations familiar to everyone made the examples pertinent to all present and maintained their interest throughout. A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking talk."
- "I guessed your talk would be fascinating and informative - and it was!"
- "Robin has spoken on various topics for our local Café Scientifique group and always receives excellent reviews. He has a gift for making complex subjects understandable and engaging whilst catering for an audience with a wide range of backgrounds."
If there's another talk you'd like me to prepare for your group that sounds like something within my area of expertise then let me know, and we can work something out.
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