How Spectrophotometry Works & How Our Leasing Program Saves You Time & Money

The Advantages of Excedr’s Spectrophotometer Leasing Program:

• Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
• Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
• Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
• Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
• Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
• Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

In chemistry, spectrophotometry is the quantitative and qualitative measurement of a material’s reflection or transmission properties as a function of wavelength.

Materials that are commonly analyzed include nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and protein solutions. It is more specific than the term electromagnetic spectroscopy in that it deals with different wavelengths, such as x-ray, visible light, ultraviolet, near-ultraviolet, infrared, and near-infrared. It’s essential to understand the distinction between these wavelengths of light, as they play an important part in how a spectrophotometer can be used. And knowing how a spectrophotometer operates will help you optimize your work.

Spectrophotometry uses photometers (referrred to as spectrophotometers) to measure a light beam’s intensity as a function of its color (wavelength). Important features of these instruments are spectral bandwidth (the range of colors it can transmit through the test sample), the percentage of sample transmission, the logarithmic range of sample absorption, and sometimes a percentage of reflectance measurement.

A standard spectrophotometer’s uses include the measurement of transmittance or reflectance in solutions and solids. These models measure gases as well. However, spectrophotometers are also designed to measure the diffusivity on any of the listed light ranges that cover around 200 nm – 2500 nm, using different controls and calibrations. 

Within these ranges of light, calibrations are needed on the machine using standards that vary in type depending on the wavelength of the photometric determination.

An example of an experiment in which spectrophotometry is used is the determination of the equilibrium constant of a solution. A certain chemical reaction within a solution may occur in a forward and reverse direction where reactants form products and products break down into reactants. 

At some point, this chemical reaction will reach a point of balance called an equilibrium point. To determine the respective concentrations of reactants and products at this point, the light transmittance of the solution can be tested using spectrophotometry. 

In other words, researchers can observe how much light is absorbed by measuring the intensity of light the sample emits as the light passes through the sample solution. This is indicative of the concentration of certain chemicals in the solution that do not allow light to pass through.

Spectrophotometer uses span various scientific fields, such as physics, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. They are widely used in many industries, including semiconductor, laser, and optical manufacturing, as well as printing and forensic examination. Furthermore, they are utilized in laboratories for the study of chemical substances.

Ultimately, depending on the control or calibration, these tools can determine what substances are present in a target and exactly how much through calculations of observed wavelengths.

More specifically, spectrophotometry is an important technique used in many biochemical experiments involving DNA, RNA, protein isolation, enzyme kinetics, and biochemical analyses. A brief explanation of the procedure includes comparing the absorbency of a blank sample that does not contain a colored compound to a sample that contains a colored compound. The spectrophotometer is used to measure colored compounds in the visible region of light (between 350 nm and 800 nm); thus, it can find more information about the studied substance.

In biochemical experiments, a chemical and/or physical property is chosen. The procedure used is specific to that property and can derive more information about the sample, such as the quantity, purity, enzyme activity, etc.

It is a helpful procedure for protein purification and can also be used to create optical assays of a compound. Because the reader measures the wavelength of a compound through its color, a dye-binding substance can be added so that it can undergo a color change and be measured.

These instruments have been developed and improved over the decades and have been widely used among chemists. It is considered to be a highly accurate instrument that is also very sensitive and therefore extremely precise, especially in determining color change.
This method is also convenient for use in laboratory experiments because it is an inexpensive and relatively simple process.

If you and your laboratory require spectrophotometry instrumentation, we can help. Our program helps you procure a wide range of analytical instruments, from double beam spectrophotometers, single beam spectrophotometers, and microvolume spectrophotometers to portable spectrophotometers. 

Want something more specific? Our UV-VIS/NIR spectrometer and IR spectrometer leases may be what you’re looking for.

Have an instrument quote from a manufacturer? Request a lease estimate below, and we can create customized terms specifically for you. Or, if you’d just like to learn more about our program, get in touch with us above.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional cash savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently purchased equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your instrument and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up cash in your budget rather than tying it down to the instrument.