PerkinElmer Lambda 20 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The PerkinElmer Lambda 20 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is a dual-beam, scanning spectrophotometer engineered for high-precision absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance measurements across the ultraviolet and visible spectral range (190–1100 nm). Based on a Czerny-Turner monochromator architecture with a low-stray-light holographic grating and thermally stabilized photodiode array detection, the Lambda 20 delivers robust photometric accuracy (< ±0.002 A at 0.5 A), wavelength reproducibility of ±0.1 nm, and baseline stability of < 0.0005 A/hour. Designed for routine QC laboratories, academic teaching labs, and method development environments, this instrument operates under controlled optical path alignment and temperature-compensated electronics to ensure long-term measurement consistency. As a refurbished unit, each Lambda 20 undergoes full functional validation—including wavelength calibration verification using NIST-traceable holmium oxide and didymium filters, photometric linearity assessment via neutral density filters, and stray light evaluation at 220 nm—prior to release.

Key Features

• Dual-beam optical design with real-time reference beam compensation for enhanced stability during extended scans or variable environmental conditions
• Scanning speed up to 2400 nm/min with selectable scan modes (fast, normal, high-resolution) and programmable slit widths (1–4 nm)
• Integrated 6-position automatic sample changer compatible with standard 10-mm cuvettes (quartz or UV-grade plastic)
• Thermally regulated optics housing minimizing drift during multi-hour analyses
• Onboard data storage for up to 100 spectra; USB interface for external PC control and data export
• Pre-installed WinUV software (v5.x or later) supporting quantitative analysis, kinetics, spectral subtraction, and multi-component regression
• Refurbishment includes replacement of critical wear components: lamp housing assembly, detector preamplifier, and optical alignment verification

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lambda 20 accommodates liquid samples in standard 10-mm pathlength cuvettes, solid thin films via optional integrating sphere accessory (not included), and reflective surfaces using the fixed-angle reflectance attachment. It supports compliance-critical workflows aligned with ASTM E275, ISO 6223, and USP for UV-Vis instrument qualification. Each refurbished unit is delivered with a Certificate of Reconditioning documenting performance test results, including wavelength accuracy, photometric accuracy, noise level (RMS < 0.0003 A at 500 nm), and baseline flatness. The system meets GLP documentation requirements when paired with WinUV’s audit trail-enabled data acquisition mode (FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant with optional electronic signature license).

Software & Data Management

WinUV software provides intuitive method creation, real-time spectral visualization, and automated report generation in PDF or CSV formats. Data files are stored in proprietary .uv format with embedded metadata (date/time, operator ID, instrument serial number, calibration status). Version-controlled method templates support SOP-driven operation, while batch processing enables rapid analysis of multiple samples with identical parameters. Raw absorbance data can be exported without loss of resolution for third-party statistical analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python pandas). All refurbished systems ship with licensed WinUV software and driver packages validated for Windows 10/11 (64-bit); legacy OS support (Windows 7) available upon request.

Applications

This instrument is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical raw material identification (USP monograph testing), water quality analysis (nitrate, phosphate, COD determination), enzyme kinetics (NADH/NADPH assays), polymer characterization (conjugation degree, degradation monitoring), and food additive quantification (tartrazine, sunset yellow). Its reliability in low-concentration trace analysis (detection limit ~0.005 AU for single-beam equivalent measurements) makes it suitable for teaching spectroscopic fundamentals and validating analytical methods per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines. The 3–4 year operational history reflects stable usage in non-aggressive chemical environments—no exposure to strong acids, halogenated solvents, or particulate-laden samples has been recorded.

FAQ

Is this Lambda 20 fully calibrated and ready for immediate use?

Yes. Each unit completes a full factory-level recalibration protocol prior to shipment, including wavelength, photometric, and stray light verification. A detailed calibration report is provided.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts and labor?

Yes—the warranty includes all component replacements and on-site or depot-based technical service for defects arising from materials or workmanship.
Can the instrument be integrated into a LIMS environment?

Direct LIMS integration is supported via ASCII file export and ODBC-compliant database connectivity through WinUV’s optional DataBridge module.
Are original accessories included?

All standard accessories present at time of refurbishment are included: six-cell holder, quartz cuvettes (10 mm), power cable, USB cable, and printed user manual. Optional accessories (e.g., Peltier temperature controller) are listed separately.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?

You receive the Certificate of Reconditioning, calibration report, WinUV software license certificate, safety compliance statement (CE/UL), and a traceable chain-of-custody log detailing prior usage history.