VARIABLE SPECTROSCOPY ELEMENT, SPECTROSCOPY APPARATUS, AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM

Compactness and easier assembly, as well as desired spectral characteristics, are achieved without requiring an accurate assembly process, by accurately detecting the spacing between optical substrates. A variable spectroscopy element (1) is provided, which includes two optical substrates (4a and 4b) that face each other with a spacing therebetween; optical coatings (3) provided on opposing surfaces of the optical substrates (4a and 4b); an actuator (4c) that adjusts the spacing between the two optical substrates (4a and 4b); and a capacitance sensor (6) that has sensor electrodes (6a and 6b) respectively provided on the two optical substrates (4a and 4b) and detects the spacing between the optical substrates (4a and 4b). The sensor electrode (6b) provided on one optical substrate (4b) is included within a region of the optical substrate (4b) onto which the sensor electrode (6a) provided on the other optical substrate (4a) is projected.