Beyond the Giants: 7 High-Quality UV-Vis Spectrophotometers from Smaller Manufacturers
Aug 12, 2024
| UV-Vis / Fluorescent spectrophotometers
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In the world of chemical analysis, precision is paramount, and the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is an indispensable tool for achieving it. Whether you're conducting advanced research or routine analysis, the accuracy and reliability of your spectrophotometer can make all the difference. While industry giants often dominate the market, several innovative smaller manufacturers offer high-quality UV-Vis Spectrophotometers that rival the best in the business. Here, we spotlight seven such companies, each providing top-notch performance and unparalleled accuracy to elevate your analytical capabilities.
UV-Vis Spectrophotometers Specifications Comparison
| | 
CamSpec M550 | 
Implen Nano
Photometer NP80 | 
SCINCO Nano-MD | 
ColVisTec Inline | 
CRAIC QDI 2010 | 
BaySpec Breeze™ | 
Edinburgh DS5 |
|---|
| Manufacturer | CamSpec Ltd | Implen | SCINCO | ColVisTec | CRAIC Technologies | BaySpec | Edinburgh Instruments |
| Wavelength Range (nm) | 190-1100 | 200-900 | 190-1100 | 220-820 | 200-2100 | 400-2500 | 190-1100 |
| Wavelength Accuracy (nm) | ±0.3 | ±0.75 nm (NS0:
±1.5 nm) | ±1 nm (Holmium
Oxide Solution) | ±1 | ±0.2 | ±0.5 | ±0.1 |
Wavelength Repeatability
/ Reproducibility (nm) | ≤0.1 | ±0.2 (NS0:
±1nm) | < 0.02 | ±0.1 | ±0.1 | ±0.1 | ±0.1 |
| Wavelength Resolution (nm) | ±0.1 | ±0.2 | 2 nm | 1 nm | 0.1 | 5-16 | 1 |
| Light Source | Tungsten-Halogen and
Deuterium | Xenon Flash | Xenon flash lamp | Xenon flash lamp | Deuterium and
tungsten halogen
lamps | Broad band light
source integrated | Tungsten-Halogen
and Deuterium Lamps |
| Detector Type | Silicon Photodiode | CCD Array | Photo Diode
Array | Photodiode Array | 2 binned CCDs,
one Si (200-950nm)
and one InGaAs
(850-2300nm) | InGaAs (Indium
Gallium Arsenide) or
Si (Silicon) array
detector, depending
on the wavelength
range | Silicon Photodiode |
| Stray Light | <0.1% @220 nm
& 340 nm | <0.5% at 240 nm
using NaI (N50:
< 2%) and <1% at
280 nm using
Acetone (N50:
<2%) | <0.037% at 340 nm
(NaNO2) <0.05% at
220 nm (NaI)
<1.00% at 198 nm
(KCl) | Typically <0.05%
at 220 nm and
340 nm | Less than 0.05%
at 220 nm and
340 nm | Typically <0.1%
at 600 nm | <0.10% T
(220 nm NaI,
340 nm NaNO2) |
| Sample Volume (μL) | 1,000 - 4,000 | 0.3 - 2 | 0.5 - 2 | Not applicable
(inline process) | Varies depending
on the sample
holder but typically
micro-volume
samples in the
nanoliter range | Not applicable
(designed for
remote or handheld
measurements,
not requiring a
specific sample
volume) | Minimum sample
volume of 1.5 mL
(with standard
cuvettes) |
| Measurement Time (sec) | 2-10 | 2.5 to 4.0 | <5 | 10 ms | 2-10 | <1 | 1-3 |
| Portability | Benchtop | Portable | Benchtop | Fixed (process
line) | Benchtop | Portable | Benchtop |
| Applications | General lab use,
research | DNA/RNA, protein
quantification | Micro volume
biological samples | Process monitoring,
chemical analysis | Semiconductors,
forensics, photonics | Field use,
rapid measurements | General lab use,
research |
| Cost | High | Medium | High | High | High | Medium | High |
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Product Highlights
Spectronic CamSpec Ltd M550 Double Beam UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Renowned for its precision and reliability, Spectronic CamSpec Ltd offers a range of UV-Vis Spectrophotometers that cater to various analytical needs, ensuring accurate and reproducible results every time. Their top product, the M550 Double Beam UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, has an easy-to-use interface, high-resolution monochromator for precise wavelength selection, and double beam optics for rapid and accurate measurements. Although, it has a higher initial cost and would require regular calibration.Implen NanoPhotometer® NP80
Implen is celebrated for its innovative approach to spectrophotometry. Their UV-Vis Spectrophotometers are designed to provide high performance and ease of use, making them a favorite among researchers and scientists. The NanoPhotometer® NP80, which features NanoVolume technology allowing for measurements with sample volumes as low as 0.3 µL, excels in measuring DNA and RNA concentrations which could read as fast as 3 seconds. It is portable, fast, maintenance free, stand-alone, and guarantees lifetime accuracy with no recalibration needed. But, it is not quite cheap.SCINCO (Scientific Instrument Company) Nano-MD UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
With a strong focus on research and development, SCINCO delivers advanced spectrophotometers that offer superior accuracy and efficiency, making them a trusted choice in the scientific community. The SCINCO Nano-MD UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is a compact, high-sensitivity instrument ideal for low-concentration samples, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide wavelength range. It excels in fast measurements and low sample volume requirements, making it efficient for various applications. However, its high cost, limited sample capacity, and potential need for specialized training and maintenance may be drawbacks for some users.ColVisTec AG Inline UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
If you are looking for inline spectrophotometers for process monitoring, ColVisTec AG offers a product range which combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly interfaces, ensuring their UV-Vis Spectrophotometers meet the highest standards of precision and reliability in chemical analysis. Their Inline UV-Vis Spectrophotometer shows real-time monitoring and have a robust design and high throughput. However, it requires higher initial investment to integrate to your existing system.CRAIC Technologies, Inc. QDI 2010 UV-Vis-NIR Microspectrophotometer
Known for their exceptional optical design and innovative technology, CRAIC Technologies, Inc. provides UV-Vis Spectrophotometers that deliver unparalleled performance for a wide range of applications. Their product, the QDI 2010 UV-Vis-NIR Microspectrophotometer, has a broad wavelength that measure UV, visible, and near-infrared spectra of samples up to 100 µm and the measurements are non-destructive. This is the first ever equipment that combine both UV microscopy and microspectroscopy in one. Typical applications for the instrument are found in semiconductor manufacturing, forensic science, photonics, organic chemistry research, and DNA analysis.BaySpec, Inc. BreezeTM UV-Vis Spectrometer
BaySpec, Inc. offers a diverse range of UV-Vis Spectrophotometers that are designed to meet the demanding needs of chemical analysis, providing robust and accurate data for researchers worldwide. They offer miniature, portable design for field and laboratory use, such as the BreezeTM UV-Vis Spectrometer. This product is portable, user-friendly, affordable but limited to specific applications and has lower resolution compared to larger models. It is useful in law enforcement (i.e. in illicit drug detection, explosives, chemical warfare), cannabis, pharmaceuticals, plastic, skin care, and food safety.Edinburgh Instruments DS5 Dual Beam UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Edinburgh Instruments is known for their high-quality laboratory equipment that are designed to deliver reliable and reproducible results, making them a trusted choice for researchers worldwide. Their DS5 Dual Beam UV-Vis Spectrophotometer presents Dual-beam optics for precise and stable measurements, extensive wavelength range, and intuitive software with advanced features.
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