iris® Visible Spectrophotometer with Method Identification via Barcode Reader - HI802-02

Method identification

Vial barcode reader

Automatic method identification of barcoded sample vials is an exciting feature of HI802. The HI802 visible spectrophotometer scans an inserted barcoded vial and automatically detects both method type and method range, significantly reducing the risk of errors and aiding measurement procedure.

Vial rotation

Vial rotation during measurement allows for method identification and for a number of absorbance readings. The instrument then converts the readings to concentration units and the result is shown on the LCD display. This rotational averaging of signals during measurement (with the lamp on) ensures improved method accuracy. Shared single-zero measurement.Use of a single-zero measurement across multiple vial methods where blank correction is done with DI water. This ensures that sample features, rather than instrument changes, are reflected in the instrument’s measurements and contributes to ease of use and stable readings.

Features

Advanced split–beam optical system

In a spectrophotometer the optical system is the heart of the instrument. Ensuring that the optical system is built with the best design and highest quality materials will guarantee accurate readings and a long life for the meter. When developing this meter our research and development team payed special attention to details and combined many small improvements to a typical spectrophotometer design to create a portable meter with unprecedented performance.

Spectral range

The meter features a spectral range of 340nm to 900nm allowing for a wide selection of analytical methods. The flexibility of this range permits compliance with many methods from regulatory organizations and associations for a variety of applications.

Replaceable tungsten–halogen lamp

To be able to measure in a wide variety of wavelengths a broadband light source is necessary. In the iris® visible spectrophotometer, this is accomplished by a tungsten–halogen lamp. As these lamps do not last indefinitely, it is necessary to change them throughout the life of the meter. The pre–alignment of the lighting fixture guarantees that the bulb is in the same position every time it is changed. This generates peace of mind as there is no need to worry about realigning the light source.

Concave grating

This element of the optical system is what generates the spectrum of light. When the light from the tungsten lamp hits the grating it is met with interference coatings that turn the polychromatic white light into a rainbow. This rainbow contains dispersed light at all wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The rotation of this grating is what allows for a specific wavelength to be selected. This ability is one of the biggest differences between a spectrophotometer and a photometer. The concave grating which accomplishes this is superior to other types of diffraction, such as prisms, as it minimizes stray light generated and has constant bandwidth. It also combines elements of the optical system that would typically be separate, for example if a flat grating was used a concave mirror would need to be added in order to refocus the light. The combination of these two pieces creates greater efficiency and a smaller optical system to yield a more compact portable meter.

Beam splitter

The beam splitter is added to the optical system for use with a reference detector to ensure that the measurement compensates for any drift in the light source. It works by splitting the light emitted by the tungsten lamp into two beams and sending one beam of light to the reference detector that measures intensity. If there are any fluctuations in the light source the meter detects this and compensates through a mathematical calculation. The reference detector also saves battery life and leads to improved speed of the meter as the lamp doesn’t have to warm up prior to use.