Spectrophotometers are instruments that analyze samples based on interaction with light, such as absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, and fluorescence.
These sensitive analytical devices, which measure chemical and biological signatures, are routinely used in many research and industrial laboratories.
They are crucial for taking measurements in applications such as DNA and RNA quantification, protein assays, immunoassays, elemental analysis, and enzyme assays.
This widespread use is reflected in the variety of options supplied by manufacturers, which can range in price from under $2,000 for entry-level equipment, to upwards of over $8,000.
Here, we catalog different types of spectrophotometers across different manufacturers.
What are common types of spectrophotometers?
- UV-Vis spectrophotometers - This broad type of photometers measure in the ultraviolet to visible regions of the light spectrum, which ranges 190 to 380 nm and 380 to 760 nm, respectively. They can be further subdivided into single-beam and double-beam spectrophotometers.
- Single-beam spectrophotometers - These pass a single beam of light through the sample vessel. The advantages of single-beam instruments are the large dynamic range, simple optics, few moving parts, and compact design.
- Double-beam spectrophotometers - Energy from the light source is divided into two so that one beam passes through the reference side, and the other through the sample side, allowing for the simultaneous reading of the blank and sample. Dual-beam measurements are fast and reproducible.
- UV/Vis/NIR spectrophotometers - These are more flexible instruments whose detection range extends into the near-infrared range at wavelengths of 2600 to 3300 nm.
- Fluorescence spectrophotometers - These excite the sample with light at a given wavelength, then measure the fluorescent light emitted at a different wavelength. Fluorometers are often used in cellular probes and biochemical assays.
- Small Volume Spectrophotometers - Also known as microvolume spectrophotometers, these can measure samples in volumes of 5 microliters or lower. They are ideal for the quick and accurate quantification of nucleic acids and proteins while conserving precious samples.
- Microplate spectrophotometers - A type of microplate reader, these are specifically tailored to accommodate samples distributed in 96- or 364-well plates. They are useful for increasing the throughput of experiments.
Recommended Reading:
-
Spectrophotometers are useful instruments that cover various ranges of electromagnetic radiation.
Many scientists and engineers—in biochemistry and physics as well as pharmaceutical and other industries—rely on this technology.
Here, experts provide guidelines to use when shopping for a new instrument.
-
Spectrophotometers are generally among the most straightfoward instruments to learn for laboratory beginners.
That’s still the case for the most part, despite the increasing sophistication of the instruments—some covering wavelengths in the near-infrared (NIR).
Here we explore ways to avoid problems all together—and get high-accuracy results—when using a spectrophotometer.
With so many considerations, it may be challenging to choose the right instrument for the lab. Here we share the top-rated spectrophotometers reviewed on Biocompare to help with your decision-making process.
Experimental success often depends on knowing NA concentrations
Tips on how to keep essential instrument in prime working condition
We do nucleic acid quantification from time-to-time. This equipment allows eight...
This instrument is a highly recommended tool.
The VANTAstar™ is a compact microplate reader conceived for ease-of-use and ...
Thermo Scientific™ TSX Series high-performance lab refrigerators are designed with ...