Light in a desired wavelength band is accurately separated by changing the distance between optical substrates while minimizing deformation thereof. A variable spectroscopic element (1) includes: a plurality of optical substrates (3, 4) opposed to each other with a space therebetween, the optical substrates being provided with coating layers (2a, 2b) on opposed surfaces actuators (5) arranged circumferentially at intervals around a central axis of the optical substrates (3, 4), the actuators being capable of expansion and contraction in a direction of the gap between the optical substrates (3, 4) and connecting members (10) connecting the actuators (5) and the optical substrates (3, 4) at several locations at intervals in the circumferential direction.
