Shimadzu UV Aluminum Film Sample Holder

Overview

The Shimadzu UV Aluminum Film Sample Holder is a precision-engineered accessory designed for secure, reproducible positioning of thin-film specimens—including polymer films, coated substrates, optical filters, and membrane-based samples—in Shimadzu ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers. Constructed from high-purity anodized aluminum, the holder provides dimensional stability across thermal and mechanical cycles, minimizing positional drift during spectral acquisition. Its design conforms to the standardized sample compartment geometry of Shimadzu’s full UV-Vis platform, enabling consistent beam path alignment and minimizing stray light contribution. Unlike generic holders, this component integrates with Shimadzu’s optical calibration architecture—supporting traceable photometric validation when used in conjunction with certified reference filters such as the Nd/Pr mixed rare-earth filter (P/N 202-30242) and Ho filter (P/N 202-30242-05). It operates on the principle of fixed-angle, normal-incidence transmission measurement, ensuring minimal angular deviation (< ±0.1°) and maintaining collimation integrity across the 190–1100 nm spectral range.

Key Features

• Universal compatibility with Shimadzu UV-Vis instruments: UVmini-1240, UV-1800, UV-2600, UV-2700, and MultiSpec-1500 (requires optional sample chamber assembly P/N 206-60184 for UVmini and MultiSpec-1500 models)
• Anodized aluminum construction ensures corrosion resistance, low thermal expansion (α ≈ 23.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°C), and long-term mechanical rigidity
• Adjustable clamping mechanism with spring-loaded pressure plates accommodates samples from 0.02 mm to 20 mm in thickness without deformation or slippage
• Defined sample aperture geometry (16 mm × 30 mm minimum; 80 mm × 40 mm maximum) aligns precisely with Shimadzu’s standard beam height (≈10 mm) and lateral field-of-view
• Integrated filter-mounting slots enable direct insertion of certified reference filters (e.g., 202-30242, 202-30242-05) for wavelength accuracy verification per ASTM E275 and ISO 6327
• Machined tolerance control: ±0.05 mm positional repeatability across repeated insertions, validated per Shimadzu internal QA protocol QM-SP-042

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The holder supports rigid and semi-flexible thin-film materials including PET, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, quartz, fused silica, and metal-coated optical filters. It is not intended for liquid cells, cuvettes, or powdered samples. For regulatory environments, the system supports GLP-compliant workflows when paired with Shimadzu’s LabSolutions UV-Vis software (v1.40+), which maintains audit trails for filter-based wavelength calibration events. The Nd/Pr and Ho reference filters meet NIST-traceable certification requirements (certificate included with each filter), fulfilling criteria specified in USP , EP 2.2.25, and JP 17 General Test for Spectrophotometers. All components comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and are manufactured in ISO 9001-certified facilities in Kyoto, Japan.

Software & Data Management

When used with Shimadzu LabSolutions UV-Vis software, the film holder enables automated calibration routines that log filter identification, date/time stamp, operator ID, and measured peak wavelengths (e.g., Ho peaks at 241.5, 279.4, 360.9 nm). The software generates PDF reports compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, and version-controlled method files. Raw absorbance/transmittance data are stored in native .spc format with embedded metadata (holder type, filter P/N, sample dimensions), facilitating traceability in LIMS-integrated laboratories. Batch processing of multi-sample film series is supported via customizable macro scripts.

Applications

• Quantitative analysis of thin-film optical density in semiconductor photomask QC
• Thickness-dependent transmittance profiling of anti-reflective coatings on display glass
• Stability assessment of UV-curable polymer films under accelerated aging protocols
• Validation of cut-on/cut-off characteristics in interference filters for fluorescence instrumentation
• Pharmaceutical film coating uniformity evaluation per USP
• Environmental monitoring of microplastic filtration membranes using spectral fingerprinting

FAQ

Is this holder compatible with non-Shimadzu UV-Vis systems?
No. Mechanical and optical interface specifications—including sample stage depth, beam height, and mounting screw pitch—are proprietary to Shimadzu spectrophotometers.
Can I use it for reflectance measurements?
No. This holder is engineered exclusively for transmission-mode analysis. Shimadzu offers separate accessories (e.g., ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere) for diffuse reflectance applications.
What is the maximum operating temperature?
The anodized aluminum structure maintains dimensional integrity up to 60 °C ambient; prolonged exposure above this threshold may affect clamping force consistency.
Do the reference filters require recalibration?
NIST-traceable certificates are valid for 24 months from date of manufacture; annual re-certification is recommended for GLP/GMP environments.
Is the holder autoclavable?
No. Anodized aluminum is not compatible with steam sterilization; cleaning is limited to lint-free wipes with isopropanol.