Brief
Advantage of quartz cuvette cell:
Quartz cuvette cell which provides excellent transmission of ultraviolet (UV) light."
Quartz cuvette cell making it suitable for both UV and visible wavelength ranges."
Quartz cuvette cell has a high resistance to thermal shock and harsh chemicals."
The importance of cuvettes
Cuvettes are mainly used in experiments to load reference solutions and sample solutions to support quantitative and qualitative analysis of substances. Their manufacturing processes vary, and the materials usually include quartz and optical glass.
Cuvette cell Types and Functions
Cuvettes come in various shapes and have moderate capacities, meeting different experimental requirements. In addition, there are special types such as micro or ultra-micro capillary cells and high and low temperature constant temperature cuvettes.
Cuvette cells Manufacturing Process:
1. Glued Process
Method: Uses specialized glue to join quartz glass plates.
Advantage:
Low cost – Economical for budget-sensitive applications.
Cons:
Poor chemical resistance – Degrades in acids/alkalis, limiting solvent compatibility.
- Weaker thermal stability – Prone to delamination under temperature cycling.
2.Fritted Proces:
Method: Quartz powder is applied to plate edges and fused in a high-temperature furnace (~1800°C).
Advantage:
Excellent chemical resistance – Withstands strong acids/alkalis (except HF).
3.Seamless One-Piece Process:
Advantage:
No weak points – Superior mechanical/thermal shock resistance.
Optimal optical clarity – No seams or glue, minimizing light scatter.
Broadest chemical compatibility – Resists all solvents (including HF with proper grade).
Optical cuvette cell path selection: The optical path of a cuvette refers to the length of the light path through the solution inside the cuvette. Common optical paths include 0.5cm, 1cm, 2cm, 5cm, etc. The selection of the optical path should be determined based on the concentration of the solution to be tested and the range of absorbance. Generally speaking, when the solution concentration is high, a cuvette with a shorter optical path can be selected to avoid the absorbance exceeding the measurement range of the instrument. When the solution concentration is low, a cuvette with a longer optical path can be selected to enhance the measurement sensitivity.
Applications of Quartz Cuvette cell:
Quartz cuvette cells find extensive applications across various scientific fields due to their unique properties. Quartz cuvette cells are indispensable tools in the field of spectroscopy, revolutionizing the way scientists and researchers analyze substances. Some of the key applications include:Spectrophotometry,Fluorescence Spectroscopy,DNA Analysis,Choosing the Right Quartz Cuvette Cell.
Instructions for Use:
a. General Handling and Cleaning
- · Handle with Care: Always hold the cuvette by its rough (frosted) sides. Avoid touching the clear, transparent optical surfaces, as fingerprints, oils, and smudges can significantly scatter or absorb light, leading to erroneous readings.
- · Use Lint-Free Wipes: Gently clean the optical surfaces with a soft, lint-free tissue (e.g., Kimwipe) before each use. Wipe in a single direction if possible.
- · Use Proper Solvents: Clean the cuvette thoroughly with an appropriate solvent (e.g., deionized water, ethanol, or the sample's solvent) immediately after use. Ensure it is completely dry before loading a new sample.
- · Inspect for Damage: Before use, visually inspect the cuvette for any cracks, chips, or deep scratches, especially on the optical surfaces. Damaged cuvettes must be discarded, as they can affect the light path and cause significant errors.
b. Filling and Sample Preparation
- Avoid Overfilling: Fill the cuvette typically about 3/4 full. Overfilling can lead to spills that may contaminate the instrument's sample compartment.
- Check for Bubbles: After filling, gently tap the cuvette to dislodge any air bubbles clinging to the optical walls, as bubbles can scatter light and increase the measured absorbance.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a lint-free wipe to carefully dry the outside of the cuvette, particularly the optical windows, before placing it into the spectrophotometer. Liquid residues will scatter light and cause inaccuracies.
- Storage: After cleaning, the cuvettes can be air-dried naturally or dried with a hair dryer, and then stored in a cuvette box. When storing, be careful to avoid mutual collision of cuvettes to prevent scratches or damage.
As the "eyes" of optical analysis, the correct use of the cuvette is the key to the success of the experiment. Selecting appropriate materials, standardizing operation procedures and conducting regular maintenance can not only ensure the accuracy of data but also extend the lifespan of consumables. In fields such as molecular biology and environmental science, cuvettes are being combined with automated equipment, driving the development of detection technology towards greater efficiency and accuracy.
Technical parameters of Cuvette:
Material |
Code |
Transmission on empty cell |
Deviations in Matching |
Optical glass |
G |
at 350nm approx. 82% |
at 350nm max. 0.5% |
ES quartz glass |
Q |
at 200nm approx. 80% |
at 200nm max. 0.5% |
IR quartz glass |
I |
at 2730nm approx. 88% |
at 2730nm max. 0.5% |
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