UV-2600i Plus, UV-2700i Plus UV-Vis Spectrophotometers

Significance of the Topic

The latest generation of UV-Vis spectrophotometers offers unprecedented sensitivity, extended wavelength range into the near-infrared, ultra-low stray light, and comprehensive data management. These advances enable high-precision absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance measurements across industries such as electronics, materials science, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and life sciences. Integrating robust compliance features and automated workflows addresses evolving regulatory demands and boosts laboratory productivity.

Objectives and Overview

This application note presents the key features and performance of the Shimadzu UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus systems. It outlines their optical design enhancements, accessory compatibility, method expansion into the near-infrared region up to 1400 nm, ultra-low stray light performance up to 8 Abs, and integrated software solutions for data security, automation, and compliance with ER/ES regulations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The UV-2600i Plus utilizes a single-monochromator design with Shimadzu’s proprietary LO-RAY-LIGH™ diffraction grating to minimize stray light and achieve a dynamic absorbance range up to 8 Abs. The UV-2700i Plus incorporates a double monochromator for even lower stray light, enabling precise measurements of high-concentration and low-transmittance samples. Key accessories include:

• ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere for diffuse and specular reflectance/transmittance to 1400 nm
• MPC-2600A multipurpose compartment for large-sample transmittance and reflectance
• Variable angle measurement unit for angle-dependent optical characterization
• Thermoelectric cell holders (TCC-100, TMSPC-8ip) for temperature-controlled spectral and melting temperature (Tm) analysis of biomolecules
• Autosamplers (ASX-560/280, ASC-5) and sipper units for high-throughput liquid analysis
• LabSolutions UV-Vis software suite with spectral evaluation, color, film thickness, UPF, solar radiation calculations, and full audit-trail database options (DB/CS) for compliance

Main Results and Discussion

Performance highlights include:

• Extended measurement range from 220 nm to 1400 nm with the ISR-2600Plus for solar cell, optical coating, and semiconductor band gap studies
• Ultra-low stray light enabling accurate absorbance measurements to 8 Abs (transmittance of 0.000001 %) in the 400–650 nm region
• Reproducible band gap determination using Tauc analysis on CuIn₀.₅Ga₀.₅Se₂ and CuInSe₂ solar cell materials
• Interference-based film thickness measurements for polymer films with 1 µm resolution
• Thermal stability (Tm) profiling of oligonucleotide therapeutics over wide dynamic range
• Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) evaluation of textiles and umbrellas via integrating sphere accessory
• Automated spectral evaluation and pass/fail judgment for quality control, with real-time data export to spreadsheets

Benefits and Practical Applications

The UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus systems deliver:

• Flexible method development across diverse sample types (films, powders, liquids, solids)
• Enhanced throughput via autosamplers and automated control files for unattended multi-sample runs
• Traceable data integrity with LabSolutions DB/CS, audit trails, version control, and ER/ES compliance
• Robust performance verification through bundled validation software for pharmacopeia and JIS standards
• Real-time integration with Excel® and macros for custom post-processing and reporting

Future Trends and Opportunities

Looking ahead, spectrophotometry is set to benefit from:

• Advanced automation and self-diagnosis via IoT, M2M, and AI-driven workflows
• Remote and cloud-based data management for global laboratory networks
• Integration of multimodal analytical platforms under unified software environments
• Enhanced digital validation and e-signature capabilities to support evolving regulatory frameworks
• Expansion into high-throughput screening and real-time process monitoring applications

Conclusion

The Shimadzu UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus spectrophotometers combine cutting-edge optics, modular accessories, and comprehensive software to address the full spectrum of UV-Vis/NIR analytical challenges. Their ultra-low stray light, extended wavelength range, and robust data integrity features make them ideal for research, QA/QC, and regulated environments, delivering high precision, flexibility, and productivity.