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UV–Vis Spectrometers01:14

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The absorbance of UV and visible (UV–visible) radiations is measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Deuterium lamps, which emit UV radiation, and tungsten lamps, which produce radiation in the visible region, are used as light sources in UV–visible spectrophotometers. A monochromator or prism is used for diffraction grating, i.e., to split the incoming radiation into different wavelengths. A system of slits is used to focus the desired wavelength on the sample cell.
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There are two main infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: dispersive IR spectrometers and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In a dispersive IR spectrometer, a beam of infrared radiation produced by a hot wire is divided into two parallel equal-intensity beams using mirrors. One beam passes through the sample, while another is a reference beam. The beams then move through the monochromator, which separates the radiations into a continuous spectrum of different frequencies. The...
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An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
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Spectrophotometry: Introduction01:16

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Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of the absorption, reflection, diffraction, or transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a material as a function of the intensity and wavelength of the radiation. A spectrophotometer is a device used to measure the change in the radiation intensity caused by its interaction with the material.
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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

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The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers.  Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
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A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
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How to Design a Spectrometer.

Alexander Scheeline1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA and Spectroclick Inc, Champaign, IL, USA.

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|June 24, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Designing an ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectrometer involves balancing cost, materials, resolution, and throughput. This review details the critical design choices and trade-offs inherent in spectrometer development.

Keywords:
Fastie–Ebert spectrometerSpectrometer engineeringabsorption spectrometrygrating spectrometeroptical designplane grating spectrographspectrometer fit for purpose

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Area of Science:

  • Optical Engineering
  • Spectroscopy
  • Instrument Design

Background:

  • Spectrometer design is a multidisciplinary endeavor requiring expertise in science and engineering.
  • The design process involves complex trade-offs between various performance metrics and practical constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illustrate the reasoning behind design choices for an ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectrometer.
  • To explore the interplay between different design parameters and their impact on instrument performance.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the conceptual and strategic aspects of spectrometer design.
  • It reviews the decision-making process for key parameters like cost, materials, resolution, throughput, aperture, and layout.
  • Specific technical details like grating blaze and electronics design are excluded to maintain scope.

Main Results:

  • The design of a spectrometer is presented as a balance of competing factors, often referred to as the 'Yin and Yang' of design choices.
  • Key trade-offs influencing the final instrument configuration are highlighted.
  • The review emphasizes that spectrometer design is an art form combining mathematical rigor with practical considerations.

Conclusions:

  • Successful spectrometer design necessitates a deep understanding of the problem, target molecules, and engineering principles.
  • The selection of components and design parameters is a critical process involving careful consideration of trade-offs.
  • The art of spectrometer design lies in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical constraints and aesthetic considerations.