Spectrophotometers

Spectrophotometers measure the amount of light absorbed or transmitted by a sample at specific wavelengths, used to determine concentration, purity, and composition in chemical, biological, and quality control applications. We stock UV-Vis and visible-range spectrophotometers for laboratory, research, and industrial testing.

UV-Vis vs. Visible Spectrophotometers

UV-Vis spectrophotometers measure absorbance across both ultraviolet and visible wavelength ranges, supporting a broader range of applications including nucleic acid and protein quantification that require UV wavelength measurement. Visible-range spectrophotometers cover only the visible light spectrum, sufficient for colorimetric analysis and applications that don’t require UV measurement, typically at a lower cost.

Wavelength Accuracy & Resolution

Wavelength accuracy determines how precisely the instrument can target a specific wavelength for measurement, an important spec for applications requiring measurement at a precise absorbance peak. Spectral bandwidth (resolution) affects the instrument’s ability to distinguish closely spaced absorbance peaks, which matters more for detailed spectral analysis than for routine single-wavelength measurements.

Sample Handling

Standard spectrophotometers use cuvettes to hold liquid samples, with cuvette material (quartz for UV work, plastic or glass for visible-only) needing to match the wavelength range being measured. Micro-volume spectrophotometers use a small sample drop directly on a pedestal, eliminating the need for cuvettes and useful when sample volume is limited, common in molecular biology applications.

Common Applications

• Nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) and protein quantification
• Colorimetric chemical analysis
• Water quality and environmental testing
• Pharmaceutical and quality control testing
• Food and beverage color and composition analysis

Not sure which spectrophotometer fits your application? Contact our team — we can help match wavelength range, sample handling, and accuracy to your specific requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UV-Vis or visible-only spectrophotometer?

UV-Vis spectrophotometers are needed for applications like nucleic acid or protein quantification that require measurement in the UV range. Visible-only spectrophotometers are sufficient for colorimetric analysis and applications that don’t need UV wavelength measurement.

What’s a micro-volume spectrophotometer used for?

Micro-volume spectrophotometers measure a small sample drop directly without a cuvette, useful when sample volume is limited, such as in molecular biology work involving precious DNA or RNA samples.

Why does cuvette material matter?

Cuvette material must be compatible with the wavelength range being measured — quartz cuvettes are required for UV measurements, while plastic or glass cuvettes are suitable for visible-range measurements only.

Do you provide calibration certificates for spectrophotometers?

Yes, select models are available with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate at the time of purchase. Look for the certification filter above or contact us for a custom calibration request.