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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

UV-Vis Spectroscopic Characterization of Nanomaterials in Aqueous Media
Published on: October 25, 2021
Plano-concave microcuvette for measuring the absorption coefficient of highly absorbing liquids
Abstract:
A powerful and simple method based on the use of a plano-concave microcuvette was investigated for measuring the absorption coefficient of highly absorbing liquids. A plano-convex lens put on a plane-parallel plate formed a microcuvette with small, continuously varying thicknesses. This microcuvette was filled with liquid and illuminated by a homogeneous beam. The parabolic variation of the liquid thickness generates a Gaussian spatial intensity distribution behind the cuvette. This Gaussian profile, detected by a CCD camera, was used to determine the absorption coefficient of the liquid. An absorption coefficient as high as 1.54 x 10(4) cm(-1) was measured by use of high-concentration malachite green dye solutions. A comparison of the results with data extrapolated from those of conventional methods showed good agreement.
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