How to calculate angle of minimum deviation using spectrometer |Omlabs

To find the angle of minimum deviation using a spectrometer, first set the prism in the minimum deviation position by rotating the prism table until the refracted slit image becomes stationary and then starts moving in the opposite direction. Then, align the telescope's crosswire with this stationary image and record the readings on the vernier scale. Finally, remove the prism and record the vernier readings for the direct image of the slit. The difference between these two sets of readings is the angle of minimum deviation.

Set up the spectrometer: Place the prism on the prism table so that the light from the collimator falls on one face (e.g., AC).  Adjust the collimator and telescope so they are aligned with the light source.  Focus the telescope on the slit image and then align the crosswires with the direct image of the slit. Record the readings on the vernier scale (vernier 1 and 2) for the direct ray. This is your reference reading. 
2. Find the minimum deviation position: Place the prism on the prism table.  Rotate the prism table so that light from the collimator is incident on one face and emerges from another.  Rotate the prism table and observe the refracted image of the slit through the telescope.  The slit image will move. Rotate the table to move the image towards the direct ray position (towards decreasing deviation).  At some point, the image will become stationary and then start moving back in the opposite direction as you continue to rotate the table.  This stationary point is the position of minimum deviation. Fix the prism table at this position. 
3. Measure the angle of minimum deviation:  Rotate the telescope so that its crosswire coincides with the slit image at the minimum deviation position.  Record the vernier scale readings for the deviated image.  Subtract the direct ray reading from the deviated ray reading to find the angle of minimum deviation.
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