Shimadzu UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Operating Guide: Complete Analysis Procedures

Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry is one of the most fundamental and widely used analytical techniques in modern laboratories, providing rapid, non-destructive analysis of compounds that absorb light in the ultraviolet (190-380 nm) and visible (380-780 nm) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Shimadzu UV-Vis spectrophotometer series, particularly the UV-1900i Plus, represents the cutting edge of spectroscopic technology, combining exceptional optical performance with intuitive operation and comprehensive regulatory compliance features. The principle of UV-Vis spectrophotometry rests on the Beer-Lambert law, which establishes the linear relationship between absorbance and concentration: A = εbc, where A is absorbance, ε is the molar absorptivity coefficient (a compound-specific constant), b is the path length through the sample (typically 1 cm), and c is the concentration. This fundamental relationship enables precise quantitation of analytes across concentration ranges spanning several orders of magnitude, from trace analysis in the sub-ppm range to concentrated solutions approaching saturation. Shimadzu's UV-Vis spectrophotometer lineup addresses diverse analytical requirements through specialized models. The UV-1900i Plus offers exceptional value for routine analysis with its ultra-fast scanning capability reaching 29,000 nm/min, ultra-low stray light, and minimal baseline noise enabling detection of low-concentration components. The UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus provide mid-range performance with expandable wavelength coverage to 1400 nm for near-infrared applications, accommodating diverse accessories for solid, liquid, and film samples. The UV-3600i Plus research-grade instrument extends spectral range from 185 nm to 3300 nm, incorporating three specialized detectors (PMT, InGaAs, PbS) achieving resolution as fine as 0.1 nm and photometric range from -6 to 6 absorbance units. Applications span pharmaceutical quality control (assay, content uniformity, dissolution testing), protein and nucleic acid quantitation in life sciences, environmental monitoring (water quality, pesticide residues), food safety testing, and materials characterization including thin films and optical coatings. All Shimadzu UV-Vis models comply with major pharmacopeial standards including JP (Japanese Pharmacopeia), USP (United States Pharmacopeia), and EP (European Pharmacopeia), incorporating automated validation functions that simplify qualification and ensure regulatory compliance.