PerkinElmer Lambda 12 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer Lambda 12 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is a single-beam, high-stability optical instrument engineered for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial quality control laboratories. Based on double-monochromator design with holographic grating optics, the Lambda 12 delivers exceptional stray light rejection (< 0.01% at 220 nm), spectral bandwidth of 2 nm (fixed), and wavelength accuracy of ±0.5 nm across its full operational range of 190–1100 nm. Its robust mechanical architecture—featuring thermally stable optical bench, precision stepper-motor-driven wavelength drive, and low-noise photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector—ensures high reproducibility in absorbance measurements (±0.002 A at 1.0 A, typical). As a legacy platform introduced in the mid-1990s and widely deployed globally, the Lambda 12 remains compatible with standard 10 mm pathlength cuvettes and supports both transmission and reflectance modes via optional accessories.

Key Features

• Single-beam optical layout with dual-grating monochromator for enhanced resolution and reduced stray light
• Wavelength scanning capability from 190 nm to 1100 nm with 0.1 nm increment resolution
• Photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector optimized for UV sensitivity and dynamic linearity over 3.0 absorbance units
• Integrated RS-232 interface for direct communication with Windows-based host systems running PerkinElmer’s WinLab™ or third-party spectral acquisition software
• Thermally compensated optical housing minimizing drift during extended measurement sessions
• Factory-calibrated deuterium and tungsten-halogen lamps with documented lamp-hour counters for predictive maintenance planning

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lambda 12 accommodates standard 10 mm square or rectangular quartz, glass, or plastic cuvettes (including matched pairs for baseline correction). It supports liquid, suspension, and thin-film solid samples when used with optional sample holders or integrating spheres. The instrument’s photometric performance aligns with internationally recognized standards including ASTM E275 (Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of UV-Vis Spectrophotometers), ISO 6223 (Spectrophotometers — Vocabulary and General Requirements), and USP Chapter <857> (Spectrophotometry and Light-Scattering). While not natively 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit trails and electronic signature functionality can be implemented via validated third-party data acquisition platforms operating under GLP/GMP-aligned workflows.

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are executed through PerkinElmer’s legacy WinLab™ software (v3.x or earlier), which provides spectrum acquisition, kinetic scanning, multi-wavelength quantitation, and basic spectral math operations (e.g., subtraction, ratioing, derivative calculation). Raw data exports as ASCII text (.txt) or .spc format ensure compatibility with MATLAB, OriginLab, and Python-based analysis pipelines (e.g., using NumPy and SciPy). All refurbished units undergo full firmware verification and include licensed software media and activation keys. System logs—including lamp usage hours, calibration event timestamps, and error codes—are retained in non-volatile memory and accessible via diagnostic mode.

Applications

• Quantitative assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per USP/EP monographs
• Enzyme kinetics monitoring via NADH/NADPH absorbance at 340 nm
• Protein concentration determination using Bradford or Lowry methods
• Water quality assessment (e.g., nitrate, phosphate, COD analysis)
• Thin-film thickness estimation via interference fringe analysis in the visible-NIR range
• Educational laboratory instruction in analytical chemistry and physical biochemistry

FAQ

Is this Lambda 12 unit fully refurbished and tested prior to shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive optical alignment, wavelength accuracy verification, photometric linearity validation, and electrical safety testing at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 9001-certified refurbishment facility.
Does the 6-month warranty cover both parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, labor, and return shipping for covered failures under normal laboratory use conditions.
Can the Lambda 12 be integrated into a LIMS environment?
Direct LIMS integration is not native, but ASCII data export and RS-232 command protocol documentation enable middleware-based automation using OPC-UA or custom serial parsers.
Are replacement lamps and cuvettes available through your inventory?
Yes. We maintain stock of genuine PerkinElmer deuterium (Lamp P/N 021-0005) and tungsten-halogen (P/N 021-0006) lamps, as well as matched quartz cuvettes (10 mm, 3.5 mL volume).
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each shipment includes original user manual (PDF + printed), factory service report, refurbishment certificate, calibration summary, and software license confirmation.