Cuvette Guide 09-13
Cuvette Guide 09-13
Light incident on a sample (Io) can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted. The ratio of light transmitted
through the sample to the light incident on the sample, I/Io, is defined as the transmittance through the sample
(T) . Absorbance (A) can be calculated from transmittance using the following relationships:
I I I
T= = 10 − kcb and %T = *100 A = − log = kcb
Io Io Io
Samples are routinely measured in absorbance because absorbance is proportional to the concentration of the
sample (Beer's law) and is proportional to the optical path length (Bouguer's law). The proportionality
constant (k) is unique for every species. When the optical path length is 1 cm and the sample concentration is
1 mole/L, the proportionality constant (k) for a given species becomes the molar absorptivity (ε) yielding the
more commonly seen equation relating absorbance and concentration:
A = εbc
For the Bouguer-Beer's law to remain valid, it is necessary to satisfy certain sampling conditions such as being
free from stray light, emission, scattering, and reflection.
2
Single-beam Configuration
In a Single-Beam design, only one beam passes through the sample compartment. The Baseline and Reference
are combined into one measurement and are measured first. Measurement of the baseline in a single beam
unit may or may not include a cuvette with solvent depending on the user’s preference. After the baseline is
acquired, the sample is placed in the beam path and a sample acquisition is acquired. The transmittance is the
ratio of the intensity of the sample against the intensity of the baseline/reference at any given wavelength.
Cell
Light source
Spectrophotometer Detector Display window
Optics Amplifier
Sample Compartment
𝐼𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒(λ)
%𝑇(λ) = × 100
𝐼𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒(λ)
3
Double-beam Configuration (Single Detector)
In a Dual-Beam design, the monochromatic light coming from the monochromator is divided into two paths
using either a rotating sector mirror or a semi-transparent beam-splitter. The split light beam is passed through
the sample compartment in two paths, one passing through the sample cell and the other passing through a
reference cell. After passing through the sample compartment the beams are focused onto the detector(s).
Dual-Beam designs can have either a single detector (PMT; 190-900nm) or dual detectors (silicon diode; 190-
1100nm). In a dual-beam system a baseline measurement is acquired prior to sample analysis, just like in a
single-beam system. This is the spectral information that is ratioed against the sample beam to calculate
transmittance. In addition, in a dual-beam system, the reference beam is also ratioed against the sample beam.
This second comparison serves to compensate for any variation in temperature, voltage, or lamp intensity that
may occur as the measurement is acquired. The result is a very accurate and stable acquisition of the sample
spectrum over the full wavelength range.
Reference
side
Cell
Light source
Spectrophotometer
Detector Amplifier Display window
Optics
Sample side
Sample Compartment
𝐼𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒(λ)
𝐼𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒(λ)
%𝑇(λ) = × 100
𝐼𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒(λ)
𝐼𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒(λ)
4
Detector Transition Wavelengths
Until recently, conventional spectrophotometers used a PMT (photomultiplier tube) for the ultraviolet and
visible region and a PbS detector for the near-infrared region. Neither detector, however, is very sensitive
near the detector-switchover region. This prevents high-sensitivity measurement in this range. The Shimadzu
UV-3600 makes it possible to take high-sensitivity measurements in the switchover range by using an
InGaAs detector.
Spectral Range of a Photomultiplier Tube (PMT), Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) and Lead Sulfide (PbS)
Detectors
5
Absorption Bands for Common Functional Groups*
6
UV Cutoff for Common UV/Vis Solvents+
7
UV-VIS
Standard Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
220-92910-01 Quartz 10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
220-92910-02 Quartz 2 10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 3500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
8
Semi-Micro Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
220-92910-15 Quartz 10 mm NO 1.4 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE lid, Black mask
mm Inside width = 4 mm
220-92910-16 Quartz 10 mm NO 1.0 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE lid, Black mask
mm Inside width = 4 mm
220-92910-17 Quartz 10 mm NO 1.4 mL 200-2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE stopper
mm Black mask
Inside width = 4 mm
9
Rectangular Long Pathlength Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
220-92910-21 Quartz 2 20 mm YES 7 mL 200 - 3500 nm 22.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-23118-01
220-92910-23 Quartz 2 50 mm YES 17.5 mL 200 - 3500 nm 52.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-23118-01
220-92910-25 Quartz 2 100 mm YES 35.0 mL 200 - 3500 nm 102.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number: Cannot
204-23118-01 be used
with the
UVmini
Series
220-92910-22 Glass 20 mm YES 7 mL 320 - 2500 nm 22.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-23118-01
220-92910-24 Glass 50 mm YES 17.5 mL 320 - 2500 nm 52.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-23118-01
220-9210-26 Glass 100 mm YES 35.0 mL 320-2500 nm 102.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number: Cannot
204-23118-01 be used
with the
UVmini
Series
220-92910-26 204-23118-01 10
Short Pathlength Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
220-92910-41 Quartz 1 mm YES 350 µL 200 - 2500 nm 3.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-03
220-92910-43 Quartz 2 mm YES 700 µL 200 - 2500 nm 4.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-01
220-92910-45 Quartz 5 mm YES 1.75 mL 200 - 2500 nm 7.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-02
220-92910-42 Glass 1 mm YES 350 µL 200 - 2500 nm 3.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-03
220-92910-44 Glass 2 mm YES 700 µL 200 - 2500 nm 4.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-01
220-92910-46 Glass 5 mm YES 1.75 mL 200 - 2500 nm 7.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Part number:
204-21473-02
204-21473-xx
11
Micro Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
220-92910-11 Quartz 10 mm YES 300 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x25 mm PTFE Lid
Part number: Aperture width =
220-92950-00 2 mm
or
206-55050-91
220-92910-14 Quartz 10 mm NO 400 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x40 mm PTFE Stopper
220-92910-13 Quartz 10 mm NO 500 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm id h
PTFE Lid
Aperture width =
2 mm
Base thickness =
9 mm
206-55050-91 220-92950-00
12
Ultra Micro Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
206-55050-91 220-92950-00
13
Cylindrical Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Length Details
Spacer Needed Range
220-92910-31 Quartz 10 mm YES 2.8 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5 mm 1 port, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-33 Quartz 20 mm YES 5.6 mL 200 - 2500 nm 25 mm 1 port, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-35 Quartz 50 mm YES 14 mL 200 - 2500 nm 62.5 mm 2 ports, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-37 Quartz 100 mm YES 28 mL 200 - 2500 nm 125 mm 2 ports, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-32 Glass 10 mm YES 2.8 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5 mm 1 port, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-34 Glass 20 mm YES 5.6 mL 200 - 2500 nm 25 mm 1 port, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-36 Glass 50 mm YES 14 mL 200 - 2500 nm 62.5 mm 2 ports, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
220-92910-38 Glass 100 mm YES 28 mL 200 - 2500 nm 125 mm 2 ports, PTFE stopper,
P/N: 204-06216-03 Inner diameter = 19 mm
Alternate sample Outer diameter = 22 mm
compartment (206-
60184-07) needed for
UVmini-1240
14
220-92910-31 220-92910-33 220-92910-35 220-92910-37
204-06216-03
15
Flow Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
220-92910-61 Quartz 0.1 mm NO 6.2 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
17.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-62 Quartz 0.2 mm NO 12.4 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
17.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-63 Quartz 0.5 mm NO 31 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
17.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-64 Quartz 1.0 mm NO 62 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
17.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-65 Quartz 2.0 mm NO 124 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
17.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-71 Quartz 5 mm NO 195 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
11.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-78 Quartz 10 mm NO 30 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dia.
2 mm
220-92910-74 Quartz 10 mm NO 80 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dia.
3 mm
220-92910-75 Glass 10 mm NO 80 µL 320 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dia.
3 mm
220-92910-72 Quartz 10 mm NO 390 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
11.5 x 3.5 mm
220-92910-76 Quartz 50 mm NO 370 µL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dia.
3 mm
220-92910-77 Glass 50 mm NO 370 µL 320 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dia.
3 mm
220-92910-73 Quartz 50 mm NO 1.95 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x35 mm Aperture dim.
11.5 x 3.5 mm
16
220-92910-78 220-92910-74 220-92910-75
17
Stirrer Cells
18
Special UV/Vis Cells
Tray Cell
The Hellma Tray Cell is designed for measurements e.g. of DNA/RNA or protein samples and enables highly
accurate analysis of extremely small samples with remarkable reproducibility. Using the 1 mm or 0.2 mm cap
creates a defined optical light path of 1 mm and 0.2 mm, respectively. This generates virtual dilution factors
of 1:10 or 1:50 in comparison to a measurement with a standard 10 mm cuvette. This feature saves time and
avoids dilution errors. If desired, samples can be retrieved after the measurement for further processing. The
required sample volume for the 1 mm cap is 3 µl to 5 µl, and for the 0.2 mm cap 0.7 µl to 4 µl.
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
Contains
3-5 µL for fiber optic
1 mm cap cables thus
1 mm or
220-92788-00 Quartz NO 0.7 to 4 µl 200-900 nm 12.5x12.5x69.5 mm reducing the
0.2mm wavelength
for 0.2mm
cap range of
quartz
220-92788-00
19
Starna DMV-Bio Demountable Micro-Volume Cell
The Starna Demountable Micro-Volume (DMV) Bio Cell uses advanced precision micro-machining techniques
and materials to produce a patented high energy optical system which ensures that sufficient energy is
available to measure low volume samples accurately and reproducibly across a wide absorbance range. The
cell is ideal for biological applications where DNA and proteins measurements are routinely performed and
allows for measurements of sample volumes as low as 0.6 µL. The patented cell design utilizes a magnetic
closure mechanism to facilitate rapid filling/emptying plus easy cleaning of the cell for convenience and to
prevent carryover. This cell combined with the Shimadzu UV-1800 is an excellent choice for biological
laboratories needing routine analysis of micro-volume samples.
220-93619-03
This is a quartz cell with for use with the micro-volume BioSpec-nano spectrophotometer (5mm pathlength
option).
YES
220-92788-00 Quartz 5 mm Part Number: 1.75 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x7.5x46 mm
206-26513-00
20
Fluorescence
Standard Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
220-92910-81 Quartz 10x10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 2500 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE lid
nm mm
220-92910-82 Quartz 10x10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 2500 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE stopper
nm mm
220-92910-88 Quartz 10x10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 2500 12.5x12.5x45 PTFE lid, Mirror
nm mm coated outer
surfaces
21
Semi Micro Cells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
220-92910-83 Quartz 10x4 mm NO 1.4 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid
Stirrer Cells
These cells are often used when measurements must be taken from a sample being stirred. Note: Each cell
includes one magnetic stirrer.
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
or Spacer Range (LxWxH)
Needed
220-92910-86 Quartz 10x10 mm NO 3.5 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid, magnetic
base
Inside width =10 mm
220-92910-87 Quartz 10x4 mm NO 1.5 mL 200 - 2500 nm 12.5x12.5x45 mm PTFE lid, magnetic
base
Inside width = 4 mm
One stirrer bar
included
220-92910-86 220-92910-87
22
Disposable Cuvettes
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Exterior Details
Spacer Needed Range (LxWxH)
YES: For 70 µL or
220-92957-02 lower use 220-
UV 92957-01
Eppendorf 10 mm or 50 µL – Available as
transparent For volumes above 2 ml 220 – 1600 nm 12.5x12.5x36 mm pack of 80
Uvette 2mm
plastic 70 µL, no holder is
needed
Available as
Cutoff –
220-92787-00 Polystyrene 10 mm NO 3.5 mL 12.5x12.5x45 mm pack of 100
340 nm
Polymethyl
Available as
methacrylate Cutoff –
220-92787-01 10 mm NO 3.5 mL 12.5x12.5x45 mm pack of 100
(PMMA or 300 nm
“acrylic”)
220-92957-02 220-92957-01
23
Capillary Cell Kits
Provides a cuvette set for use in Hoescht Dye and Ethidium Bromide assays. Set consists of capillary cell
holder, set of quartz capillary cells, Allen wrench, and Critoseal. The adapter fits in the standard cell holder.
220-92209-00 Quartz Effective optical No. Holder is 3µL with tube 200 - 2500 nm For UV/Vis only. Has
path length is supplied as part of closure used. single holder. Supplied
typically about kit. with 100 capillaries
1/20 of 10mm (made of quartz) and a
square cell. tube closure
24
Multicells
Part No. Material Pathlength Special Holder or Volume Wavelength Number of Details
Spacer Needed Range Channels
YES: 206-23680-91
Reference side of
Or
200 - 2500 holder cannot be used
208-92086-00 Quartz 5 mm 206-23690-91 50 µl 8
nm for the UVmini-1240
where temperature
control is used.
YES: 206-23680-91
Or Reference side of
200 - 2500
208-92085-00 Quartz 5 mm 206-23690-91 50 µl 16 holder cannot be used
nm
where temperature for the UVmini-1240
control is used.
YES: 206-23680-91
Reference side cannot
Or
200 - 2500 be used for the
208-92089-00 Quartz 10 mm 206-23690-91 100 µl 8
nm UVmini-1240
where temperature
control is used
YES: 206-23680-91
Or Reference side of
200 - 2500
208-92088-00 Quartz 10 mm 206-23690-91 100 µl 16 holder cannot be used
nm
where temperature for the UVmini-1240
control is used.
208-92097-11 Quartz 10mm YES: For use with 200 - 2500 8 Reference side of
the TMSPC-8 100 µl nm holder cannot be used
thermal melt for the UVmini-1240
system only
(206-24350-91)
25
Hellmanex II - Cleaning Solution
®
Hellmanex II is an alkaline liquid concentrate that when mixed with water will clean optical components
made of glass, quartz, sapphire, and porcelain. It is composed of wetting agents, emulsifiers, ampholytic
surface-active agents, complexing agents, and potassium phosphate that can decrease the surface tension of
water and aid in the removal of any impurities that may be left in the cell. (P/N: 220-92910-95)
Hellma® Analytics
Eppendorf
NSG Precision
Starna Cells, Inc
VARIOMAG® USA
Lange’s Handbook of Chemistry by James A. Dean, 14th Edition, McGraw Hill
26
UV-VIS/RF Cell Selection Guide
▶
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symbol “TM” or “ R “.
Third-party trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities or their products/services. Shimadzu disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade
names other than its own.