We were able to get the stepper motor working a couple weeks before the Expo. However, we could not figure out a viable solution to integrate the prism. The placement of the prisms and the direction of light was extremely temperamental and hard to calibrate. Additionally, we did not have enough time to figure out the mechanics required to rotate the prisms with the stepper motor in order to get the desired light frequency. This is because the frequency gradient, when split by the prisms, was very slim, requiring extremely small and precise rotations.
We were able to come up with an alternate solution that is much cheaper and easier to manage. Using the refraction of light from a CD (yes, a Compact Disc), we successfully split the light into a wide enough frequency gradient to get results. Using this solution, we were also able to get more intense light that is easier for the photo detector to see.
The Design Expo was a great success. We received complements from industry critics and praise from school faculty.
