A spectrophotometer is an essential laboratory instrument for qualitative and quantitative analyses. It passes a light beam through a sample to measure how much light the sample absorbs from a particular wavelength range. This process reveals helpful information about the sample's properties.
Spectrophotometers have varying features that are optimized for different applications, including:
- Chemical analysis
- Biochemistry and biology
- Environmental analysis
- Clinical analysis
- Cell culture analysis
- Food safety analysis
- Color analysis
- Quality control
This article will explain the key features of spectrophotometers and the factors you should consider when choosing an instrument for your application.
Key Spectrophotometer Features to Compare
Features that distinguish spectrophotometers and determine how well they suit your application include:
- Wavelength range
- Accuracy
- Precision
- Resolution
- Bandwidth
- Data management features
- Software integration
- Portability
1. Spectrophotometer Wavelength Ranges
Spectrophotometers are designed to measure light absorption within a specific wavelength range. The type of samples you want to analyze will determine the range of wavelengths you need to measure and, thus, the type of spectrophotometer you should choose.
While other types of spectrophotometers exist, the following are the main types defined by their spectrum ranges:
- X-ray spectrophotometers: These spectrophotometers measure X-rays, which have wavelengths ranging from 0.01 nanometers to 10 nanometers. They excel in materials science, chemistry and solid-state physics when studying material characterization and analyzing crystal structures.
- UV-vis spectrophotometers: This type measures light in the ultraviolet and visible parts of the wavelength spectrum, from about 190 nanometers to 800 nanometers. UV-vis spectrophotometers have diverse applications ranging from protein, nucleic acid and chemical analyses to industrial quality control.
- Visible spectrophotometers: These spectrophotometers measure how a sample absorbs light in the visible spectrum, from approximately 340 nanometers to 780 nanometers. They are useful for colorimetric analysis, dye and pigment quality control, and educational contexts not requiring UV-range measurements.
- Infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: IR spectrophotometers measure light absorption in the infrared range, from roughly 700 nanometers to 15,000 nanometers. They are used in fields like materials science, pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring for applications like studying molecular vibrations and identifying functional groups in organic compounds.
2. Accuracy and Precision
Reliable scientific results depend on using accurate and precise instruments. The accuracy of a spectrophotometer describes its ability to measure a sample's true light absorption values with minimal errors. Choosing a spectrophotometer optimized for the correct wavelength range for your application will produce more accurate results. A higher-resolution instrument will also be more accurate.
Precision describes a spectrophotometer's ability to detect subtle variations in light absorption and deliver reproducible measurements. A narrower-bandwidth instrument will usually offer superior precision.
3. Resolution and Bandwidth
Bandwidth describes the range of wavelengths a spectrophotometer transmits through a sample at a given moment. Resolution describes a spectrometer's capacity to distinguish between two adjacent absorption peaks. A narrow bandwidth means the instrument can isolate a smaller range of wavelengths, improving precision. In comparison, a higher resolution facilitates separation between closely spaced peaks in a spectrum.
Higher resolution and narrower bandwidth offer superior peak separation and more detailed spectral data, enhancing the accuracy and precision of your results in most contexts. Exceptions occur when studying samples that require measuring diverse spectral regions, in which cases a broader bandwidth may be necessary.
4. Data Management and Software Integration
Across applications, the most useful spectrophotometers have fast, accurate and comprehensive data management capabilities. Look for spectrophotometers designed to integrate with comprehensive software packages.
Rapid communication between the instrument and the software should allow you to conduct spectral comparison, peak identification and quantitative analysis. The software interface should also facilitate easy access, analysis and exportation of data from the instrument. Internet connectivity is a crucial spectrophotometer feature for reliable data management.
5. Portable vs. Benchtop Spectrophotometers
If your application involves using the spectrophotometer for fieldwork or in a laboratory with limited space, consider a portable instrument. Also, check the instrument's battery life to ensure it can do extended-duration fieldwork.
For fixed-location work in laboratories with sufficient space, benchtop spectrophotometers offer enhanced stability and precision. They tend to have more advanced features than their handheld counterparts.
Other Factors Affecting Spectrophotometer Value
Beyond the features of the spectrophotometer, you'll want to ensure the instrument you choose is a sound investment. Three of the most important factors that impact the value you get when purchasing a specific instrument are durability, support and price.
1. Durability
Choose a high-quality spectrophotometer to ensure your work continues uninterrupted with minimal maintenance or replacement expenses. Look for one made by a reputable manufacturer with reliable materials. Search for user reviews of a manufacturer's spectrophotometers and scan for any mentions of durability, life span, maintenance or malfunctions.
2. Warranty and Support
Even if you choose the best possible spectrophotometer for your needs, you'll want assurance that you can access ongoing support after your purchase. Buy your spectrophotometer from a source with rapid, friendly and experienced customer support to help you resolve any issues you encounter when using your instrument.
Choose a spectrophotometer covered by a manufacturer or merchant warranty that ensures repair, replacement or a refund if the instrument breaks shortly after purchase.
3. Price
Provided you are considering a high-quality spectrophotometer with the appropriate features, you should compare listings for that model to find the lowest price. The best way to save money on your purchase is to buy a used spectrophotometer that is still in excellent condition. Used laboratory equipment can cost much less than new equipment while functioning equally well.
For optimal value for money, find a high-quality, fully functional spectrophotometer that is either in like-new condition or only has cosmetic damage.
Shop Quality Used Spectrophotometers at New Life Scientific
New Life Scientific is an industry-leading provider of used laboratory equipment. We buy and sell spectrophotometers with various features to suit your application. When you buy from New Life Scientific, you could save 35%-95% of the price of new lab equipment.
Our experienced lab technicians test and verify every spectrophotometer for quality and functionality before we list it, so you can depend on your instrument's performance. In case you need further peace of mind, we back all our equipment with a 90-day warranty. Instead of choosing between expensive new equipment for quality assurance or dubiously sourced used equipment for affordability, order technician-tested used equipment from New Life Scientific and enjoy high quality at better prices.
Choose New Life Scientific for uncompromising quality and superior value. Browse our spectrophotometers and order yours today. If you need help finding the right spectrophotometer for the best value, contact us and expect our fast and friendly service team to respond within a day.
