Shanghai UV-1200 Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Shanghai UV-1200 Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer is a benchtop single-beam scanning instrument engineered for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis in academic teaching laboratories, quality control environments, and industrial R&D settings. It operates on the principle of Beer–Lambert law-based absorbance measurement across a continuous spectral range from 190 nm to 1100 nm—encompassing deep ultraviolet, near-UV, visible, and near-infrared regions. Its optical architecture integrates a high-efficiency 1200 lines/mm holographic blazed grating and an imported silicon photodiode detector to ensure stable baseline performance, low stray light (<0.05% T at 220 nm and 360 nm), and reliable photometric reproducibility. Designed for operational simplicity without compromising analytical integrity, the UV-1200 delivers consistent results under standard laboratory conditions while supporting trace-level concentration determination, purity assessment, and spectral characterization of organic and inorganic compounds.

Key Features

• Automated wavelength calibration and source switching: The system performs self-alignment using internal reference standards (e.g., deuterium emission lines), eliminating manual adjustment and reducing operator-induced variability.
• Dual-lamp management: Intelligent control logic automatically selects and powers either the deuterium arc lamp (for UV region, 190–350 nm) or the tungsten-halogen lamp (for VIS/NIR, 350–1100 nm), with real-time logging of cumulative lamp operating hours for predictive maintenance.
• Integrated 128 × 64 graphic LCD display: Enables direct visualization of absorption spectra, standard curves, and numerical transmittance/absorbance values—no external computer required for basic operation.
• Onboard memory: Stores up to 200 user-programmable calibration curves, allowing rapid recall of method-specific parameters for batch testing or multi-analyte workflows.
• Ergonomic sample compartment: Accepts standard rectangular cuvettes with optical path lengths from 5 mm to 100 mm—including micro-volume and flow-cell configurations—without mechanical adaptation.
• USB 2.0 interface: Supports bidirectional communication with Windows-compatible acquisition and analysis software for advanced spectral processing, kinetic modeling, and GLP-compliant reporting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UV-1200 accommodates a broad range of liquid-phase samples in quartz, fused silica, or high-transmission glass cuvettes. It complies with fundamental requirements outlined in ISO 6425 (spectrophotometer performance verification), ASTM E275 (describing spectrophotometric measurement practices), and USP (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy). While not certified for regulated GMP environments out-of-the-box, its firmware supports audit-trail-enabled data export and timestamped curve storage—features that facilitate alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party software and procedural controls. The instrument meets CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (2014/35/EU).

Software & Data Management

Optional Windows-based application software provides comprehensive instrument control, including wavelength scanning, time-resolved kinetics, multi-wavelength quantitation, and derivative spectroscopy. All acquired datasets are saved in vendor-neutral CSV and XML formats, enabling interoperability with LIMS platforms and statistical analysis tools such as MATLAB or JMP. The software enforces structured metadata capture—including operator ID, date/time stamp, instrument serial number, and calibration history—to support traceability in educational accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned laboratories. Raw spectral files retain full wavelength-intensity resolution, permitting post-acquisition baseline correction, smoothing, and peak integration using industry-standard algorithms.

Applications

• Quantitative assay of nucleic acids and proteins (e.g., A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio analysis)
• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) concentration verification per USP monographs
• Environmental water quality monitoring (e.g., nitrate, phosphate, COD estimation via colorimetric methods)
• Food and beverage quality control (e.g., caffeine, anthocyanin, or carotenoid quantification)
• Chemical kinetics studies—including enzyme reaction rates and ligand-binding equilibria—using time-scan mode
• Verification of filter and optical material transmission profiles in materials science labs

FAQ

Is the UV-1200 compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The hardware and embedded firmware do not include built-in electronic signature or audit trail functionality; however, when operated with validated third-party software and documented SOPs, it can be integrated into a Part 11–compliant workflow.
What cuvette materials are supported for UV-range measurements?
Quartz or fused silica cuvettes are required for measurements below 240 nm; standard optical glass is suitable only above ~350 nm.
Can the instrument perform kinetic measurements?
Yes—via time-scan mode with user-defined interval and duration, enabling monitoring of absorbance changes over seconds to hours.
Does the UV-1200 support absorbance ratio calculations (e.g., A260/A280)?
Yes—the software allows dual-wavelength or multi-point ratio computation with configurable tolerance thresholds for pass/fail evaluation.
Is lamp replacement a field-serviceable procedure?
Deuterium and tungsten-halogen lamps are user-replaceable using standard tools and alignment instructions provided in the technical manual; no optical recalibration is required post-replacement.