Accessories For the Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Significance of the Topic

In modern analytical chemistry, flexibility and adaptability of instrumentation are critical for tackling diverse sample types. The availability of dedicated accessories for a compact UV-Vis spectrophotometer extends its use beyond routine absorbance measurements to kinetic studies, temperature-controlled assays, remote sampling, and solid-state analyses. These capabilities support research, quality control and process monitoring across industries.

Study Goals and Overview

This document presents a comprehensive catalog of accessories designed for the Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The aim is to highlight how specialized holders, temperature control devices, rapid-mix systems, fiber-optic probes and solid-sample modules broaden the instrument’s analytical reach and improve data reliability.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The accessory portfolio includes:

• Multicell automation: 18-cell changer with temperature regulation via PCB-1500 circulating water bath or Peltier module.
• Temperature control holders: Peltier thermostatted and water-jacketed single- and cylindrical-cell holders, plus in-cuvette temperature probes.
• Rapid kinetics: RX2000 rapid-mix accessory (6 ms dead time) and SFA-20 stopped-flow unit (< 8 ms dead time) for reaction rates up to 200 s⁻¹.
• Fiber-optic sampling: SMA-based couplers for remote diffuse reflectance, dip probes, reflection and transmission probes with varied materials (quartz, stainless steel, Torlon).
• Solid-sample modules: Upright sample holder, fixed-angle specular reflectance at 30°, 45° or 60°, variable-angle transmission stage, polarizers/depolarizers.
• Cuvette and flow-cell holders: Standard, long-pathlength, cylindrical, variable-pathlength and microvolume TrayCell for 5 μL samples.
• Specialized systems: Extended sample compartment, 708-DS dissolution apparatus integration via fiber-optic multiplexer or flow-cell changer.

Main Results and Discussion

Integration of these accessories transforms a basic UV-Vis platform into a multifunctional tool. Automated multicell changers enhance throughput, while precise temperature control enables reproducible kinetics and equilibrium studies. Rapid-mix and stopped-flow units capture fast reaction intermediates. Fiber-optic probes facilitate in situ and remote measurements of liquids, powders and solid surfaces. Solid-sample and microvolume holders support characterization of films, wafers and biomolecules with minimal sample volume.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages include:

• High throughput screening in QC laboratories.
• Accurate kinetic data for enzymology and reaction engineering.
• Noninvasive field measurements via fiber-optic probes.
• Solid-state analysis for materials science and coatings.
• Low-volume biomolecular assays in genomics and proteomics.
• Online dissolution testing for pharmaceutical formulation development.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Upcoming developments may involve deeper integration of microfluidic sampling, advanced fiber-optic multiplexing, automated alignment and AI-driven data analysis. Combining UV-Vis accessories with other spectroscopic or separation techniques will further expand analytical capabilities. Remote diagnostics and PAT (process analytical technology) implementations in continuous manufacturing are likely to grow.

Conclusion

The accessory suite for the Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer provides a versatile platform for a broad range of analytical tasks. By selecting appropriate modules, users can tailor the system to specific workflows, improving precision, throughput and adaptability in both research and industrial settings.

Reference

Agilent Technologies, Inc. Accessory Guide for Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, November 2021.