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UV-Visible -- Some samples absorb light in the ultraviolet or UV region of the spectrum. These samples are sometimes colored, but most often, they are clear liquids. Most biological require the UV for measurement as well as most small-molecule pharmaceutical compounds. All research-grade instruments measure in both the UV and visible region of the spectrum.

Visible Only -- You do not need the UV range if your measurements are in the 325 to 1100 nm range and it does not make sense to pay for it, if you are not going to use it. As a rule of thumb, if your sample has color, it most likely can be measured in the visible range. Check your method (or contact us when in doubt) and select your instrument wisely.

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Double Beam -- A double beam instrument allows you to monitor a reference sample. Many researchers use a double-beam instrument for kinetics measurements where the sample and the blank both change over time.

Dual Beam -- Dual beam instruments send a portion of the sample beam to a reference detector inside the instrument. This corrects for changes in light intensity and background over time. It does not allow you to place a sample in the beam.

Single Beam -- Single beam instruments use a single beam of light to measure the absorbance of a sample. They are less expensive than double beam or dual beam instruments and are good for low-resolution measurements. With careful calibration, drift can be reduced and measurements accuracy improved.

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Full Wavelength Scan -- The entire working range of the instrument can be used to measure the absorption of the sample by scanning. This is a common technique for determining the maximum absorbance wavelength and is used extensively in the academic research, materials, life science, and pharmaceutical laboratory where the entire spectrum is required for advanced sample analysis.

Survey Scanning (Full Wavelength Scanning with VISIONlite software) -- These instruments have a scanning range of 100 nm. They are especially useful for users who are looking for a peak absorption wavelength over a narrow wavelength range. The limited scanning range reduces the cost of the instrument, making them more affordable for your laboratory.

Non-Scanning (Full Wavelength Scanning with VISIONlite software) -- Some UV-Visible measurements are performed at only a single point or series of single point measurements. First, the blank solution is measured and then is followed by absorbance, transmission, or concentration measurements of the sample. For this reason, a non-scanning instrument is appropriate for many users. Adding the inexpensive VISIONlite software allows you to use the users. Adding the inexpensive VISIONlite software allows you to use the spectrophotometer to scan over the entire wavelength range of the instrument.

Non-Scanning -- Some UV-Visible measurements are performed at only a single point. First, the blank solution is measured and then is followed by absorbance, transmission, or concentration measurements of the sample. For this reason, a non-scanning instrument is appropriate for many users.

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Some Pharmacopeias around the world require 1.0 nm resolution for compliance. For more information on the requirements of the USP and EP see read application note.

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Built-in tests allow you to make routine analysis faster and more reliable. With a Smart Start menu, only the methods you select are displayed on the first screen visible to users. This is great for multi-user laboratories running a few methods.

Some Thermo Scientific instruments feature built-in methods for life science and water analysis.

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VISIONlite -- Simple and easy-to-use general instrument and accessory control software.

VISIONlife -- Software for kinetics and DNA melting assays

VISIONpro -- Advanced instrument control software for spectrophotometers and accessories.

VISIONsecurity -- Software for electronic records and signatures enabling 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

VISIONlite auto -- Designed for high-throughput laboratories requiring autosampler control.

VISIONlite MaterialsCalc -- Software for the analysis and quality control of materials.

VISIONlite ColorCalc -- Color determination and pharmaceutical color analysis made simple.

EnzLab -- Software to automate the Enzymatic testing of foods and beverages