A spectrophotometer is a laboratory instrument used to measure the absorbance of a sample, as a function of the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. There are several types of spectrophotometers, and these are grouped according to the type of sample analyzed; There are atomic absorption and molecular absorption (commonly known as a UV-VIS spectrophotometer).
In general, a spectrophotometer is made up 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.
Types of spectrophotometers
- Single beam spectrophotometer: Light is transported from the sample to the detector, so a reference is needed to perform the analysis.
- The split beam spectrophotometer: The light is divided into two paths, the one that passes through the monochromator towards the sample and then to the detector, and the one that passes towards the detector that is used to correct the variations in the light emitted by the lamp. .
- Double beam spectrophotometer: Light through two paths into the compartments, each having its own detector. One goes to the sample and the other to the reference.
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometer: This type of spectrophotometer works taking into account the wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. These are based on the fact that the molecules that absorb the frequencies are part of the characteristics of its structure.
- UV Visible Spectrophotometer: The objective is to measure the light that passes through the sample, and then compare it with its intensity before it passes through any solution or sample.
Considerations to keep in mind when buying a spectrophotometer
- Optical and technical specifications: Here it is important to take into account the wavelength range, bandwidth, precision, accuracy and stray light.
- Optical components: Take into account whether it is single beam or double beam, the lamps, and the detector.
- Design and accessories: If it has local or PC control, cuvette support, equipment structure.
- Software.
Main brands of spectrophotometers
UV-VIS spectrophotometers are widely used equipment in many areas of science ranging from bacterial culture, drug identification, nucleic acid purity checks and quantification, biochemical and enzyme kinetic tests, to quality control in the beverage industry and chemical research. That is, a spectrophotometer has a wide range of applications, so choosing the best one is essential for every laboratory, which is why here we mention the main brands of spectrophotometers on the market:
- Emclab instruments
- SAFAS S.A
- Biobase
- Konica Minolta
- Auxilab S.L
- Ecohim Ltd
- MAAN Medical and Laboratory
- Shimadzu
- Analitik Jena
- Kalstein
At Kalstein we are MANUFACTURERS and we offer you an excellent range of UV-VIS spectrophotometers, ranging from simple options to highly sophisticated equipment, all manufactured with the best quality and technology on the market and available at the best PRICES. So we invite you to take a look at the Products menu. HERE
