Betop Scientific Lambda-260A Single-Beam Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer
| Brand | Betop Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Product Origin | Domestic |
| Model | Lambda-260A |
| Instrument Architecture | Single-Beam |
| Detector Type | Photodiode Array (PDA) |
| Wavelength Range | 190–1100 nm |
| Automation Level | Automatic Wavelength Selection |
| Spectral Bandwidth | 2 nm |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±0.5 nm |
| Wavelength Repeatability | ≤0.2 nm |
| Stray Light | ≤0.05% T at 220 nm and 360 nm |
Overview
The Betop Scientific Lambda-260A is a single-beam ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer engineered for precision absorbance and transmittance measurements across a broad spectral range from 190 nm to 1100 nm. Based on classical Beer–Lambert law principles, it employs a fixed optical path with a deuterium lamp (for UV) and tungsten-halogen lamp (for visible/NIR), automatically switched via internal optics to ensure optimal signal-to-noise performance across the full range. The instrument utilizes a photodiode array (PDA) detector, enabling rapid data acquisition without mechanical scanning—critical for kinetic studies and high-throughput routine analysis. Its single-beam architecture is optimized for stability, reproducibility, and cost-effective operation in QC laboratories, academic teaching environments, and R&D settings where robustness and ease of use are prioritized over ultra-high resolution or dual-beam referencing.
Key Features
- Integrated dot-matrix LCD display with intuitive menu navigation and real-time graphical visualization of spectra and calibration curves
- Automatic wavelength calibration using built-in holmium oxide and neutral density reference standards
- Auto-zeroing and auto-blanking functions with programmable dark current compensation
- Wide sample compartment accommodating cuvettes from 5 mm to 100 mm pathlength, compatible with standard quartz, glass, and plastic cells
- Long-life, eco-friendly flange-mount deuterium lamp—designed for tool-free replacement without optical realignment
- Dual-lamp system with automatic source switching and integrated interference filters to minimize stray light and enhance photometric accuracy
- Stray light suppression <0.05% T at 220 nm and 360 nm, meeting ISO 9001 and ASTM E275-22 requirements for analytical spectrophotometers
- Rugged baseplate and optomechanical support structure incorporating selected imported optical components for long-term thermal and mechanical stability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Lambda-260A supports liquid, solution-phase samples in standard 10 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm rectangular cuvettes. Optional accessories include micro-volume adapters, temperature-controlled cell holders, and fiber-optic probes for non-standard sampling configurations. The instrument complies with core regulatory expectations for routine laboratory instrumentation: its hardware design and firmware architecture support GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when used with optional audit-trail-enabled PC software. Data integrity features—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable log files—are available through the certified Betop ScanAudit software module, which conforms to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 and Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition General Chapter 0401 requirements.
Software & Data Management
The Lambda-260A operates standalone via its embedded interface or connects seamlessly to Windows-based PCs via USB 2.0. The optional Betop ScanPro software provides advanced functionality including wavelength scanning (full-spectrum acquisition), time-based kinetics (absorbance vs. time), multi-wavelength quantitation, nucleic acid and protein concentration analysis (using A260/A280 ratios and extinction coefficients), and customizable report generation. ScanAudit, the validated version, adds role-based access control, full audit trail recording, electronic signature capture, and export-compliant PDF/CSV outputs—all traceable and suitable for regulatory submissions. All spectral and quantitative data are stored internally with power-fail protection and can be exported without metadata loss.
Applications
- Quantitative analysis of organic compounds in pharmaceutical intermediates per USP and EP 2.2.25
- Enzyme kinetics and protein folding studies via time-resolved absorbance monitoring
- DNA/RNA purity assessment and concentration determination in molecular biology labs
- Nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal speciation in environmental water testing (EPA Method 365.3, ISO 15681-1)
- Colorimetric assays in food safety (e.g., sulfite, nitrite, antioxidant capacity)
- Quality control of dyes, pigments, and polymer additives in industrial manufacturing
- Teaching spectroscopic fundamentals in undergraduate chemistry curricula
FAQ
Does the Lambda-260A support dual-beam operation?
No—it is a single-beam system optimized for simplicity, stability, and affordability. Reference measurements are performed sequentially using automated blank correction.
Can I perform kinetic measurements without a PC?
No—time-scan mode requires connection to Betop ScanPro or ScanAudit software; the onboard interface supports only fixed-wavelength photometry and standard curve quantitation.
What lamp lifetime specifications are provided?
The deuterium lamp is rated for ≥2,000 hours; the tungsten-halogen lamp for ≥5,000 hours under typical usage conditions.
Is the instrument compliant with pharmacopeial methods?
Yes—when operated with ScanAudit software and appropriate calibration protocols, it satisfies verification criteria outlined in USP , EP 2.2.25, and ChP 0401 for spectrophotometric assay validation.
How is stray light performance verified during factory calibration?
Using NIST-traceable holmium oxide and sodium nitrate filters at specified wavelengths (220 nm, 360 nm), with results documented in the Certificate of Conformance shipped with each unit.
