The invention provides a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device, and method of manufacture. Among possible applications is construction of compact spectrometers optimized for a single use. The sample container includes diffraction gratings such that, when the container is illuminated with collimated light and observed with optics focused at infinity, one obtains an optical spectrum useful for identifying and measuring the concentration of specimens placed in the container, applicable for chemical analysis and for screening fluids for chemical or biological analysis. The invention further provides methods to fabricate a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device, wherein one such method utilizes an inflatable bladder and temperature-controlled templates to emboss gratings on both outside and inside faces of a given cuvette.