Historically, reusable quartz cuvettes were required for measurements in the ultraviolet range, because glass and most plastics absorb ultraviolet light, creating interference. Glass, plastic and quartz cuvettes are all suitable for measurements made at longer wavelengths, such as in the visible light range.
Why are glass cuvettes better than plastic?
In general, glass cuvettes display greater transparency and accuracy of measurement, and they can be re-used many times. Then again, handling of plastic cuvettes is simple and safe. Since plastic cuvettes are only used once and do not require cleaning, possible damage and loss do not have to be taken into account.
Why is plastic cuvette not suitable for UV?
All Answers (6) you cannot use plastic cuvettes in UV region. You will experience too much fluctuation of absorbance.
What type of cuvette should you use when working in the UV spectrum explain why this is the case?
Quartz stands out in this aspect. The material remains transparent in both visible light and UV ranges. That is why it can be easily used for UV-light spectrum sample measurements.
What are the types of cuvette used in colorimeter?
- Optical Glass or Pyrex Glass.
- UV Quartz.
- IR Quartz.
- Sapphire.
What type of cuvettes can be used in the ultraviolet?
Standard cuvettes made from PMMA, polystyrene or normal glass are only transparent in the visible range. If wavelengths in the UV-range, below approximately 300 nm, are employed, cuvettes made from quartz glass, or a special type of plastic, which provide sufficient transparency in this range, must be used (figure 2).
What is the difference between quartz and glass cuvette?
Glass cuvettes are used for measurements in the visible range from 320 to 2500 nm. Quartz cuvettes deliver precise results in the whole UV and visible range from 200 to 2500 nm. The smaller the manufacturing tolerance, the better and more repeatable the measurement.
What materials can a cuvette be made of?
A cuvette (French: cuvette = "little vessel") is a small tube-like container with straight sides and a circular or square cross section. It is sealed at one end, and made of a clear, transparent material such as plastic, glass, or fused quartz.
Why can glass and plastic cuvette not be used in the UV region?
Types. Historically, reusable quartz cuvettes were required for measurements in the ultraviolet range, because glass and most plastics absorb ultraviolet light, creating interference. Glass, plastic and quartz cuvettes are all suitable for measurements made at longer wavelengths, such as in the visible light range.
Why the glass cuvettes are not suitable for UV spectroscopy?
Types. Historically, reusable quartz cuvettes were required for measurements in the ultraviolet range, because glass and most plastics absorb ultraviolet light, creating interference.
When can plastic cuvettes be used?
Plastic cuvettes are used in the visible range for colorimetric assays and the UV range for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis. Semi-micro size cuvettes are for sample volumes between 1.5mL and 3.0mL, macro cuvettes for samples larger than 2.5mL.
Why is quartz cuvette used?
Glass and Quartz Cuvettes Glass cuvettes are used for measurements in the visible range from 320 to 2500 nm. Quartz cuvettes deliver precise results in the whole UV and visible range from 200 to 2500 nm. The smaller the manufacturing tolerance, the better and more repeatable the measurement.