Web Menu

Product Search

Language

Share

Quartz Cuvettes & Cells

Quartz Cuvettes & Cells

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Introduction

Quartz Cuvettes and Spectroscopy Cells are indispensable, high-precision labware components used to hold samples for analysis in spectrophotometers, fluorometers, and various other optical instruments. The critical requirement for these components is the material's superior optical transparency across a broad range—particularly the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) region—and the dimensional precision of the optical path length. Quartz is the material of choice over standard glass because it transmits light effectively down to 190 nm, whereas standard glass blocks nearly all UV light below 300 nm. We manufacture both fused-type cuvettes (where the walls are optically fused together) and cement-type cuvettes (using UV-cured optical adhesives for non-DUV applications) from high-purity fused silica. Our fabrication process ensures the window faces are polished to an optical grade finish, minimizing light scattering and maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio in sensitive analytical measurements. The dimensional tolerance on the internal path length is meticulously controlled, typically to ±0.01 mm, which is vital for quantitative analysis where slight variations can lead to significant measurement errors.

We offer a wide range of standard configurations, including square, rectangular, cylindrical, and micro-volume cells, as well as specialized flow-through and jacketed cuvettes for temperature control applications. The purity of the quartz itself ensures the cuvette is chemically inert to virtually all common solvents, acids, and bases used in analytical chemistry, preventing sample contamination or degradation of the cell walls. Furthermore, our Synthetic Fused Silica cuvettes are chosen for the most demanding applications, such as DNA/RNA concentration measurements, because they exhibit zero fluorescence in the UV region, ensuring minimal background interference. For high-throughput requirements, we provide matched sets of cuvettes, where the optical characteristics (transmission and path length) are guaranteed to be virtually identical, eliminating the need for instrument recalibration between sample changes. Our commitment to high-volume manufacturing combined with stringent individual cell inspection makes us a reliable supplier for global clinical and research laboratories.

Buyers seeking accuracy and reliability in their spectroscopic measurements rely on our quartz cells. We ensure every unit is delivered clean, inspected, and ready for immediate use, complete with protective packaging to maintain the optical integrity of the polished windows during transit.

Specification Parameters

ParameterDetails
Material GradeStandard Fused Quartz (Q), UV Grade, or Synthetic Fused Silica (SQ)
Optical Path Length (OPL)Standard 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm
OPL TolerancePrecision ±0.01 mm (Critical for quantitative analysis)
Spectral RangeSynthetic SQ: 190 nm - 2500 nm; Standard Q: 220 nm - 2500 nm
Window FlatnessGuaranteed λ/4 flatness on all optical faces
Volume CapacityStandard 3.5 mL; Micro-Volume cells down to 50 μL
Sealing MethodHigh-Temperature Optical Fusion (Standard) or UV Cementing (Infrared only)
Matching ToleranceAvailable in Matched Sets (Transmission ≤0.3% variation at 220 nm)

The detailed specifications for Quartz Cuvettes underscore the necessity for optical and dimensional precision. The ±0.01 mm tolerance on the Optical Path Length is maintained by using CNC grinding and polishing on the spacer blocks before the cell walls are attached. This precision is non-negotiable for applications relying on the Beer-Lambert law (A=ϵlc) for concentration determination, where l (path length) must be highly accurate. The choice between Standard Fused Quartz (Q) and Synthetic Fused Silica (SQ) is based on the UV cutoff wavelength; SQ is required for measurements below 220 nm because its lower metallic impurity content prevents short-wavelength absorption and fluorescence. The High-Temperature Optical Fusion method, used for all our DUV cells, permanently bonds the quartz pieces without introducing any adhesives that could outgas or absorb light, maintaining the cell's integrity up to 1000∘C (though capped by the sample). We use sophisticated interferometry to verify the flatness of the optical windows and employ automated spectrophotometers to confirm the transmission and matching tolerance of cuvette sets across the entire UV range. This rigorous QC process guarantees the performance required by analytical chemists and biochemists worldwide.

Applications

  • UV/Vis Spectrophotometry: Measuring the concentration of chemical compounds, biological buffers, and pharmaceuticals across the near-UV and visible spectrum.

  • Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Used in fluorometers due to the non-fluorescent property of Synthetic Fused Silica, ensuring accurate measurement of sample emission without background interference.

  • Biotechnology and Life Sciences: Critical for determining DNA/RNA concentration at 260 nm and protein concentration at 280 nm, utilizing the deep UV transparency.

  • Kinetics Studies and Titrations: Employed in jacketed or temperature-controlled cells to monitor reaction rates as a function of temperature with high stability.

  • High-Purity Chemical Analysis: Used for trace metal analysis and quality control in the semiconductor and ultra-pure water industries, leveraging quartz’s extreme chemical inertness.

  • Medical and Clinical Diagnostics: Integrated into automated blood and urine analyzers, often as flow-through cells, where small sample volumes and high throughput are essential.

The application benefit of quartz cuvettes is directly tied to the ability to analyze samples in the UV region, which is inaccessible to plastic or glass cells. This is crucial for virtually all molecular biology and many organic chemistry applications. For high-value samples, our micro-volume cells, which can hold as little as 50 μL, allow for precise analysis while conserving precious material. Furthermore, the chemical resistance means the cells can be cleaned thoroughly with strong acids (e.g., aqua regia) or bases, ensuring zero cross-contamination between different samples. Our specialized flow-through cells are designed to integrate seamlessly into automated systems, minimizing dead volume and maximizing sample change speed. The mechanical strength offered by fused quartz, especially in our fused-type cells, provides a robustness suitable for continuous use in busy, high-throughput laboratories and industrial QC settings, far outlasting disposable plastic alternatives and standard glass cells.

Advantages

  • Deep-UV Transparency: Transmits light down to 190 nm (Synthetic Grade), essential for DNA/RNA and protein concentration measurement and general UV analysis.

  • Exceptional Dimensional Accuracy: The ±0.01 mm path length tolerance ensures precise, reliable quantitative analytical results, eliminating measurement uncertainty due to cell variation.

  • Non-Fluorescing Material: High-purity quartz minimizes or eliminates background fluorescence, critical for sensitive fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.

  • High Chemical Inertness: Resistant to virtually all common laboratory solvents, acids, and bases, ensuring no chemical interaction with the sample and allowing for rigorous cleaning protocols.

  • Available in Matched Sets: Guaranteed low variation in transmission and path length for use in dual-beam instruments, maximizing data accuracy and eliminating the need for individual cuvette blanking.

  • Custom and Specialized Formats: Ability to produce micro-volume, jacketed (temperature control), and continuous flow-through cells to suit specialized research and clinical equipment needs.

The primary advantage is performance reliability. In analytical chemistry, the quality of the vessel holding the sample directly impacts the data. Our fused quartz cuvettes, particularly the Synthetic Fused Silica grade, provide the gold standard in optical performance. The fusion welding technique we employ creates a stronger, cleaner seal than adhesive-based methods, ensuring the cuvette lasts longer and remains free of optical absorption artifacts near the seal joint. By offering a variety of standard and custom OPL and volumes, we provide a tailored solution for virtually any optical measurement requirement, ensuring laboratory efficiency and data integrity. Furthermore, the robust nature of our fused cells ensures they are compatible with standard laboratory sterilization and cleaning procedures, including autoclaving.

Payment and Shipping

We accept standard payment methods including T/T and secured L/C for bulk procurement contracts. Given that cuvettes are often purchased in large quantities by research institutions and clinical labs, we offer favorable pricing tiers and credit terms for established accounts ordering volumes of 100 units or more.

Shipping Protocol for Precision Labware: Careful handling is required to protect the polished quartz surfaces.

  • Individual Casing: Each cuvette is placed in a non-abrasive, protective plastic storage box or sheath immediately after final cleaning and inspection. Matched sets are sequentially numbered and boxed together.

  • Padded Shipping: Boxes are carefully secured and cushioned within the shipping carton to prevent movement, impact, and vibration that could cause micro-fractures or damage the optical faces.

  • Freight: We use reliable international courier services (DHL, FedEx) for fast, documented, and secure delivery to laboratories and research facilities globally.

Standard 10 mm square cuvettes are typically in stock or ready in 7−10 business days. Custom path lengths, micro-cells, or flow cells require 3−5 weeks for fabrication. We prioritize safe delivery and provide full quality certificates with every shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: What is the recommended method for cleaning cuvettes after analyzing trace organic compounds?

  • A: For organic residues, soak the cuvette in an organic solvent (e.g., high-purity ethanol or acetone), followed by soaking in a mild detergent solution, and finish with copious rinsing with DI water. For more stubborn residues, soaking in a 10% solution of HCl or a specialized cuvette cleaning solution is recommended. Avoid harsh abrasives.

  • Q: Can the quartz cuvettes be used in IR spectroscopy?

  • A: Quartz transmission drops off significantly past 2500 nm (2.5 μm). For mid- and far-IR spectroscopy, materials like CaF2​ or KBr are typically required. Our quartz cuvettes are primarily designed for UV/Vis and near-IR applications.

  • Q: What is the difference between a 'Fused' and a 'Cemented' cuvette?

  • A: Fused cuvettes have the quartz walls thermally welded together without adhesive. They are chemically resistant, DUV transparent, and high-temperature stable. Cemented cuvettes use an optical adhesive to join the walls; they are cheaper and fine for Vis or IR but the cement absorbs UV light below ∼300 nm and is not chemically or thermally stable. We recommend Fused for all high-purity and UV work.

  • Q: Do you guarantee the optical transmission of a cuvette set to be perfectly matched?

  • A: We guarantee a Matched Set to have a transmission variation of less than 0.3% at a specified UV wavelength (e.g., 220 nm). This high level of matching ensures the cuvettes are virtually identical for comparative analysis, a key requirement in clinical and high-throughput research.

From Made-in-China to
Global Smart Manufacturing

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in the production of quartz and special glass products. Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is the production plant of Jinzhou Mingde Quartz Glass Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu, Since its establishment, the company has developed rapidly, introduced advanced technology and production equipment at home and abroad, and continuously improved and improved product quality. Relying on its own advantages, we have developed a variety of products suitable for the market and meet the needs of different customers, and solved many urgent production problems for our customers.

The company's products include quartz glass tubes, double-hole quartz glass tubes, quartz glass rods, quartz sheets, sapphire windows, calcium fluoride glass windows, infrared ultraviolet coatings, high-pressure resistant aluminosilicate glass window panels, quartz glass instruments, high borosilicate glass instruments, quartz crucibles, quartz gold-plated tubes, quartz heaters, quartz infrared heating tubes, far-infrared directional radiation heaters ultraviolet germicidal lamps and other special types of quartz glass products.

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd.
Message Feedback
Quartz Cuvettes Quartz Tubes Quartz Grinding Jars Quartz Plates and Discs for Optical and Thermal Applications