Agilent Cary 100 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Agilent Cary 100 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer is a precision-engineered double-beam spectrophotometer designed for high-fidelity absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance measurements across the ultraviolet and visible spectral range (190–1100 nm). Utilizing a high-stability xenon flash lamp and a monochromator with variable slit width control, the system delivers exceptional photometric accuracy, long-term baseline stability, and robust signal-to-noise performance—critical for quantitative analysis in regulated and research environments. Its sealed optical bench features quartz-coated mirrors and gratings, minimizing degradation from ambient humidity or trace laboratory vapors and ensuring consistent calibration integrity over extended operational cycles. The instrument’s phase-locked wavelength drive mechanism eliminates peak shift and amplitude attenuation during rapid spectral scans—a key advantage for kinetic studies requiring sub-second time resolution.

Key Features

• Double-beam optical architecture with real-time reference beam correction for enhanced photometric reproducibility
• Variable slit width (0.2–5.0 nm) enabling precise control of spectral resolution and signal throughput trade-offs
• Extended linear dynamic range exceeding 3.5 absorbance units (Abs), reducing the need for sample dilution in high-concentration assays
• Large, accessible sample compartment with integrated accessory controller supporting temperature-controlled cells, integrating spheres, fiber-optic probes, and solid-sample reflectance modules
• WinUV software platform—Windows-based, modular, and audit-trail enabled—compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with appropriate user access controls and electronic signature settings
• Robust mechanical design validated for continuous operation in teaching laboratories, QC labs, and R&D facilities

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Cary 100 accommodates standard 10-mm pathlength quartz or glass cuvettes, as well as microvolume, flow-through, and solid-sample configurations via optional accessories. It supports ASTM E275 (standard practice for describing and measuring performance of UV-Vis spectrophotometers), ISO 6223 (spectrophotometric terminology and definitions), and USP (UV-Vis spectroscopy for pharmaceutical applications). When operated under documented procedures—including regular verification with NIST-traceable standards—the system meets GLP and GMP data integrity expectations for method validation and routine testing.

Software & Data Management

WinUV provides intuitive, task-oriented workflows for spectral acquisition, kinetics, quantitative analysis, and multi-component fitting. Its modular architecture allows users to enable only required application modules (e.g., DNA/protein quantitation, colorimetry, thin-film thickness modeling), reducing interface complexity. All data files are stored in vendor-neutral formats (.csv, .txt) alongside proprietary .uv format; metadata—including instrument ID, operator, date/time stamp, and parameter settings—is embedded and exportable. Audit trail functionality logs all critical events (method edits, calibration updates, result deletions), supporting regulatory review and internal quality audits.

Applications

• Quantitative determination of nucleic acids and proteins using established extinction coefficients (e.g., A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratios)
• Kinetic monitoring of enzyme-catalyzed reactions with time-resolved sampling down to 100 ms intervals
• Thin-film characterization—including optical density, thickness, and refractive index estimation via interference fringe analysis
• Color measurement and formulation matching per CIE 1931 or CIELAB standards
• Heavy metal speciation in environmental water samples following EPA-approved colorimetric methods (e.g., Cr(VI) with diphenylcarbazide)
• Raw material identity testing and assay verification in pharmaceutical manufacturing per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished or third-party refurbished?
This Cary 100 has undergone full functional refurbishment by SpectraLab Scientific, including optical alignment verification, wavelength accuracy calibration against holmium oxide and didymium standards, and photometric linearity validation using neutral density filters.
Does the 6-month warranty cover both parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes on-site service labor and replacement of defective components attributable to material or workmanship defects under normal laboratory use conditions.
Can WinUV software be upgraded to support current Windows OS versions?
WinUV v6.1 and later are compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit); legacy versions may require compatibility mode configuration or migration to Agilent’s newer OpenLab CDS platform for long-term support.
Are NIST-traceable calibration certificates provided with shipment?
A full calibration report—referencing NIST SRM 2034 (peak wavelength) and SRM 930e (photometric accuracy)—is included with each instrument, along with as-found/as-left data documenting pre- and post-refurbishment performance.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Shipment includes original Agilent user manuals (hardcopy and PDF), WinUV installation media, calibration report, refurbishment summary, and a certificate of conformance stating compliance with specified performance specifications per Agilent’s Cary 100 technical datasheet Rev. D.