In our post about the differences between a spectrometer and spectrophotometer, spectrometer vs. spectrophotometer, we explain the ways these two instruments relate to one another: a spectrophotometer can be any number of instruments that measure light. All spectrophotometers use a spectrometer.
In contrast, not all spectrometers can be considered spectrophotometers. The spectrometer plays a major role in measuring the light, and many other analytical instruments contain spectrometers. But the spectrophotometer is a complete system that contains a light source along with a means to collect the light for measurement. Spectrophotometers are also considered a type of photometer, unlike a spectrometer.
In this article, we'll focus on the spectrophotometer: what it measures, how it works, and more. Use this post as a refresher and jumping off point for identifying your spectrophotometer needs.
Spectrophotometers employ spectrophotometry to measure the transmittance and absorbance properties of any given material as a function of wavelength, thus determining he concentration of an analyte.
Simply put, spectrophotometers measure light intensity with wavelengths, and can figure out a solution’s concentration using this measurement, based on the Beer-Lambert law (which basically explains that absorbance is going be linear in relation to the concentration—as concentration increases, so does absorbance).
Spectrophotometers also measure electromagnetic intensity at various wavelengths.
Now, because they measure the frequency emitted by the substance that’s being analyzed, spectrometers do not have their own unit to determine the frequency emitted. Instead, measuring units are based on light absorption – wavelength and light intensity. The wavelength of light transmittance or absorbance is measured in nanometers. Because of the small size of the length, the human eye cannot accurately detect it, so machinery is required.
The spectrometer is also capable of providing results on light intensity. However, this requires using multiple complex formulas to calculate the object or sample’s transmittance.
Spectrometers measure a wider range than visible light, which represents just a fraction of the wavelengths of light. The full wavelength of light goes from the gamma-ray (10-5 nanometers) to radio waves (1013 nanometers). Radio waves can be thousands of meters long. The gamma-ray is so small that it is not visible to the human eye.
Let’s first break down all the parts of the instrument, as this makes it easier to understand how everything works together.
An important part of the entire instrument is the entrance slit because the size of that slit determines the amount of light that can enter and be measured. This affects not only the speed of the spectrometer’s engine but also the optical resolution. The optical resolution is expressed as the full width at half maximum. Smaller slit sizes translate to a better resolution. The slit can be adjusted to allow for more or less light to enter the spectrometer.
After the light passes through that entry slit, it hits the prism and refracts, then passes through to the sample, which is measured.
These devices are either designed as single-beam or double-beam. Single-beam spectrophotometers measure the light intensity before and after the sample is introduced, while double-beam spectrophotometers compare the intensity of light between the reference light path and the sample that’s being measured.
Double-beam models are more accurate because they are not as sensitive to light source fluctuations, but single-beam options have a higher range and are more compact.
Furthermore, spectrophotometers are often categorized based on the specific light they measure within the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the infrared, near-infrared, ultraviolet, or visible range. Depending on the type of light your samples allow to pass through, you’ll want to make sure the device can measure that range.
Infrared spectrometers, sometimes referred to as IR spectrometers, measure vibrations in the interatomic bonds within the sample being tested. When the sample is exposed to infrared wavelengths, the vibrations are measured at different frequencies. This spectrometer can also measure the number of absorbing molecules.
Infrared spectrometers can identify and study chemicals in gas, solid, or liquid form. It is useful for forensic analysis, organic and inorganic chemistry, microelectronics, manufacturing, art history, and various other applications.
Raman spectrometers are most often used in chemistry to provide the structural fingerprint to identify molecules. This type of spectroscopy relies on inelastic scattering of photons. It uses a source of monochromatic light, typically from a laser. Generally, it’s in the visible light, near-infrared, or near-ultraviolet spectrum, though it’s also possible to use x-rays.
The laser interacts with excitations within the sample, which shifts the energy either up or down. That shift provides information about the vibrational modes, similar to the information infrared spectroscopy offers.
UV-Visible spectroscopy exposes the sample to ultraviolet light, which excites the electrons upon absorbance of the light energy. The absorbance is measured based on how excited the electrons become. This type of spectroscopy is commonly used to research the chemical bonding of molecules in the sample material.
Near IR spectroscopy is based on the absorption of electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths from 780 to 2,400 nanometers. The light interacts with the sample and then the detector measures the transmittance and absorbance. Near IR spectroscopy has a wide range of applications, including, neonatal research, blood sugar, functional neuroimaging, urology, ergonomics, atmospheric chemistry, and more.
X-Ray spectrometers excite the inner electrons of the sample. When the excited electrons fall into the empty space generated as a result of energy absorption, x-rays are procured.
Regardless of the type, make, or model of spectrophotometer your lab requires, Excedr can help you get what you need.
Spectrophotometers can be expensive pieces of equipment to buy, ranging in price from a $4000 or $5000 used to $150,000-$500,000 or more. Justifying the purchase of a new one can be difficult. But buying used isn't always the best option.
Leasing your lab equipment, on the other hand, helps you acquire equipment you need at a much more cost-effective price point up front. By forgoing a large upfront payment and opting for smaller monthly payments, you can reserve your budget for daily operating expenses, long-term investments, and other critical areas of business.
Our leasing program offers a wide variety of equipment, including spectrophotometers and spectrometers, from the manufacturer of your choice. Inquire with us today to learn more.
