Abstract: A capillary spectrometer is disclosed for observing radiation from a source. The spectrometer comprises a capillary array, a dispersive element, and a short wavelength imaging detector. The capillary guide comprises a receiving end and an emitting end. The receiving end is positioned so that it may receive radiation from the source. As radiation travels through the capillary guide, the course of the radiation is changed so that it is emitted in a predetermined path or paths from the emitting end. The emitted radiation falls on the dispersing element which disperses the radiation into a predetermined pattern. The radiation then falls on sensors of the short wavelength imaging detector which generate electrical signals in response to the frequency and intensity of radiation. Insulators may be used to prevent discrete rays of radiation from interfering with each other as they pass from the capillary guide to the short wavelength imaging detector.