A spectrophotometer is a laboratory instrument used to measure the absorbance of a sample, as a function of the wavelength of an electromagnetic radiation, and thus to know the concentration of the substances in a solution. In other words, it allows to know the concentration of the substances in a solution and thus analyze them from the quantitative point of view.
This equipment allows to determine the efficiency, sensitivity, spectral range and resolution of the light beam. These will depend on the various designs and optical components contained in these equipment.
Types of spectrophotometers
Currently there are different types of spectrophotometers, below are mentioned and detailed the most outstanding features:
- Single beam spectrophotometer: The light is transported from the sample to the detector, so a reference is needed to develop the analysis.
- The Split Beam Spectrophotometer: The light is divided into two paths, the one that passes through the monochromator to the sample and then to the detector, and the one that passes into the detector that is used to correct variations of the light that the lamp emits.
- Double beam spectrophotometer: Light travels through two paths to the compartments, and each has its own detector. One goes to the sample and the other to the reference.
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometer: This type of spectrophotometer works by taking into account the wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. These are based on the fact that the molecules that absorb frequencies are part of the characteristics of their structure.
- Visible UV Spectrophotometer: It aims to measure the light that passes through the sample, and then compare it with its intensity before it passes through some solution or sample.
Parts of a spectrophotometer
A spectrophotometer is usually composed of 4 main parts: a source, a monochromator, a beam splitter, a sample area, and a detector. It also has optical elements such as lenses or mirrors, which transmit light throughout the entire equipment.
- Light source: It illuminates the sample. It must meet the conditions of stability, directionality, continuous spectral energy distribution and long life. The sources used are tungsten lamp and xenon arc lamp. They can be classified as continuous and linear, as well as continuous or pulsating.
- Monochrome: It is a device that allows to obtain monochromatic light, that is to isolate the desired wavelength radiations that affect or are reflected from the set. It consists of the inlet and outlet slits, collimators and the dispersion element.
- Photodetectors: The detector is the one that detects the radiation, and in turn passes this signal to a recorder. In modern instruments there is a series of 16 photodetectors to perceive the signal simultaneously in 16 wavelengths, covering the visible spectrum.
- Registrar: It is responsible for converting the physical phenomenon, that is the signal obtained in numbers proportional to the analyte in question.
What spectrophotometers do we offer you in Kalstein?
At Kalstein we are manufacturers and we offer an excellent range of spectrophotometers at the best prices on the market. This time we present our spectrophotometer YR01855, which has the following characteristics that make it a great ally in its continuous laboratory work: HERE
- Light: The parasitic light of YR01855 is below 0.05% T. The monochromator is fully sealed and the optical surfaces are protected with a silicon dioxide membrane.
- Large LCD display: Adopts 128*64 point LCD display as display system. Therefore, the results are easy to read.
- Large data memory space: You can store 200 data sets and 200 standard curves at the same time.
- Can be upgraded to scan model: The instrument can be controlled by Metash’s UV-Professional scanning software developed based on Windows® through the USB port. The software expands the feature to Quantitative Scan, Kinetic, Multiwavelength and Wavelength.
For more information we invite you to take a look at:HERE