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Quartz Cuvettes

Quartz Cuvettes

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Introduction to High-Precision Quartz Cuvettes

Quartz cuvettes are essential sample holders in spectroscopic analysis, specifically designed for use in the demanding UV, Visible, and Near-Infrared regions. Unlike standard glass cuvettes, which absorb UV light, our fused quartz cuvettes, especially those made from superior synthetic quartz (JGS1 equivalent), offer excellent transmission down to 185nm. This makes them indispensable tools in analytical chemistry, life sciences, and environmental testing, where accurate light transmission through the sample is critical for quantifying concentration and purity. Our manufacturing process ensures ultra-precise path lengths (e.g., 10mm) and perfect optical parallelism across all four optical windows, minimizing light scattering and maximizing measurement accuracy. We specialize in various types, including standard open-top cells, stoppered cells, flow cells, and micro-volume cells, each tailored for specific instrument requirements and sample sizes. The construction methods—either fusion-bonded or cemented—are carefully selected based on the solvent compatibility and the intended wavelength range. Fusion-bonded cuvettes are recommended for highly aggressive solvents and deep UV work as they avoid the use of absorbing adhesives. Every cuvette undergoes rigorous inspection for fluorescence, bubble inclusions, and dimensional adherence to international standards. The optical quality achieved ensures reproducible results across different instruments and batches, a key requirement for GLP/GMP regulated laboratories. We understand that in chromatography and kinetic studies, the cuvette is the interface between the sample and the detection system, and any variation in its quality directly impacts data integrity. Therefore, our production focuses on zero-defect manufacturing for the optical windows, ensuring they are perfectly flat and parallel. Furthermore, we provide detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions, recognizing that the lifespan and accuracy of the cuvette depend heavily on proper care. The internal surface finish is polished to reduce protein adhesion and carryover effects in biological assays, securing its status as a high-precision, low-volume consumption tool in modern analytical labs globally. We also offer customization for special applications, such as temperature-controlled jacketed cuvettes or bespoke path lengths for unique experimental setups, maintaining our commitment to analytical precision.

Material Grades and Dimensional Specifications

The performance and price of a quartz cuvette are primarily determined by the material grade and the precision of its path length and wall thickness. Choosing the correct specification is paramount for reliable analytical results.

Parameter UV Grade Quartz (JGS1) Far UV/Deep UV (Synthetic) Standard Cuvette (Dimension)
Wavelength Range 190nm to 2500nm 185nm to 2500nm Ensures full UV/Vis/NIR coverage.
Path Length Tolerance 10mm (Standard) 1mm to 100mm (Custom) ±0.005mm (Critical for accuracy).
Volume Capacity 3.5mL (Standard) 100μL to 10mL (Micro/Macro) Depends on model type (e.g., semi-micro).
Material Purity (SiO2​) ≥99.995% <1ppm OH Content Low impurities prevent unwanted fluorescence.
Fusion Method Thermal Fusion (No Adhesive) Thermal Fusion (Preferred) Eliminates solvent compatibility issues.
Window Parallelism <0.005mm Deviation <0.002mm Deviation Minimizes beam distortion and scatter.
Base Thickness Uniformity ±0.02mm ±0.01mm Critical for proper seating in the instrument holder.
Outer Dimensions 12.5×12.5×45mm Standard dimensions for global compatibility.

The UV Grade Quartz (JGS1) is the industry standard for high-performance spectroscopic measurements, offering transparency where regular glass fails. For applications like protein analysis or DNA quantification, where high sensitivity in the deep UV is required, the 185nm cutoff is necessary. The precision of the path length is perhaps the most critical specification, as it directly factors into the Beer-Lambert Law calculation (A=ϵ⋅c⋅l, where l is the path length). Our quality control involves measuring the path length using high-accuracy calibration instruments to ensure deviations are well within the ±0.005mm tolerance, guaranteeing accuracy across multiple units. For micro-volume cuvettes, the window height and inner dimensions are equally important to ensure the limited sample volume is fully utilized by the spectrometer's light beam. We also offer cuvettes with different base thicknesses to accommodate instrument requirements where the sample height relative to the beam is fixed. The choice between clear and frosted side walls is also a specification detail we manage; frosted walls are standard to facilitate handling without affecting the optical path, while all four sides can be clear for specialized applications like fluorimetry. Furthermore, the selection of the correct sealing mechanism (PTFE stopper, screw cap, or ground glass stopper) must be specified based on sample volatility and required airtightness for long-duration kinetic experiments.

Key Applications in Analytical Science

Quartz cuvettes are essential in any laboratory performing quantitative and qualitative analysis using light absorption or emission techniques. Their applications span critical sectors:

  • Biotechnology and Life Sciences:
    • DNA/RNA Quantification: Measuring nucleic acid concentration at 260nm, requiring deep UV transmission.
    • Protein Analysis: Measuring protein concentration (e.g., Bradford or Lowry assays) or monitoring protein folding.
    • Kinetic Studies: Monitoring reaction rates and enzyme activity over time, often requiring precise temperature control (jacketed cuvettes).
  • Analytical Chemistry and Quality Control:
    • Spectrophotometry: Standard absorbance measurements across the UV/Vis range for chemical concentration determination (e.g., pharmaceutical assays).
    • Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Cuvettes with polished walls on all four sides are used to minimize internal reflections and maximize signal collection.
  • Environmental Monitoring:
    • Measuring pollutants (e.g., heavy metal complexes, organic dyes) in water samples, where high sensitivity and low detection limits are required.
  • Material Science:
    • Characterizing the optical properties of thin films, nanoparticles, or novel chemical compounds in solution.
  • HPLC/Flow Systems:
    • Custom-designed flow cells are integrated directly into High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) detectors, demanding extremely small volumes and high optical clarity for continuous, automated sample analysis.

The specific application dictates the cuvette type. For precious or scarce samples, our micro-volume cells, which require less than 100μL of sample, are critical. For highly volatile or oxygen-sensitive compounds, our sealed or stoppered models are preferred. In every application, the use of high-purity quartz ensures that the cuvette itself does not chemically interact with the solvent or contribute to background absorbance, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the analytical data. This reliability is non-negotiable for research publications and regulatory submissions.

Precision Manufacturing and Functional Advantages

Our commitment to manufacturing high-quality quartz cuvettes provides measurable benefits in analytical accuracy and laboratory productivity.

  • Unmatched Deep UV Performance: The use of premium synthetic fused silica ensures transparency down to 185nm, unlocking critical measurements in the deep ultraviolet range that are impossible with standard Pyrex or borosilicate glass cells.
  • Superior Fusion Bonding: Our thermal fusion process eliminates the need for absorbing UV adhesives, preventing solvent attack, contamination leaching, and background absorbance, thereby guaranteeing long-term chemical compatibility with aggressive solvents like acetone or chloroform.
  • Guaranteed Path Length Accuracy: The rigorous control over path length tolerance (±0.005mm) ensures compliance with the Beer-Lambert Law and allows direct comparison of data across different laboratories and instruments without the need for individual cuvette correction factors.
  • Minimal Light Scattering: The optical windows are polished to a high level of finish and parallelism, minimizing light scatter (turbidity) and ensuring that the maximum amount of incident light reaches the detector, which is crucial for low-concentration measurements.
  • High Chemical and Thermal Resistance: Fused quartz is chemically inert to most reagents and can withstand short-term high temperatures (for sterilization or cleaning), making the cuvette durable and reusable across diverse sample types.
  • Wide Range of Specialized Designs: We offer comprehensive configurations, including anaerobic cells, flow cells for automation, and jacketed cells for precise temperature control, catering to niche and complex experimental requirements beyond standard absorbance measurements.
  • Low Fluorescence and Low Contamination: Strict quality control on the raw material and the final cleaning process ensures the cuvette itself has negligible background fluorescence, which is vital for high-sensitivity fluorescence spectroscopy.

By investing in our precision-engineered cuvettes, laboratories ensure their analytical measurements are based on the highest standards of optical integrity, leading to more reliable scientific conclusions and reduced costs associated with re-running failed experiments. We provide detailed certificates of conformity to back our claims of dimensional and spectral accuracy.

Ordering, Payment, and Shipping Protocols

We provide clear and secure procedures for the global procurement of our precision quartz cuvettes, recognizing the need for speed and reliability in laboratory supply chains.

  • Accepted Payment Methods: We accept standard international payments via Wire Transfer (T/T) for institutional and bulk purchases. For smaller, one-off orders or samples, PayPal or major credit card processors can be accommodated. We can also discuss volume pricing and credit accounts for established academic or corporate clients subject to verification. A standard term is 100% payment in advance for cuvettes, given their lower unit cost and specific nature.
  • Secure Packaging: All quartz cuvettes are individually wrapped in lint-free protective film and housed in custom-designed, foam-lined plastic cases. These cases are then secured within reinforced outer cartons to prevent movement, shock, and breakage during shipping. We use clean, anti-static packaging materials to ensure the cuvettes arrive ready for cleanroom or lab use.
  • Shipping Options: For the low weight and urgency typical of cuvette orders, we primarily use express air freight services from reputable carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, offering global door-to-door delivery usually within 3-7 business days. We provide shipment tracking upon dispatch. FOB and EXW terms are standard, allowing customers to use their preferred courier accounts if desired.
  • Lead Time: Most standard 10mm UV-grade cuvettes are held in stock and ship within 1-3 business days. Specialized items, such as micro-volume flow cells or custom path lengths, may require a manufacturing lead time of 10-15 business days.
  • Quality Guarantee and Returns: We guarantee the dimensional and spectral specifications of our cuvettes. Any claims regarding transit damage or deviation from specified tolerances must be reported within 7 days of receipt, accompanied by clear photographic evidence. We will promptly dispatch replacements to minimize disruption to your lab work. Our commitment to high quality minimizes the need for returns and maximizes confidence in your analytical results. We also recommend purchasing a minimum order quantity to qualify for improved unit pricing and reduced shipping costs per unit.

Essential Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can quartz cuvettes be cleaned using concentrated acids or bases?

    A: Fused quartz is highly resistant to most acids, including HCl and HNO3​, so these can be used for cleaning. However, it is slightly etched by hydrofluoric acid (HF) and strongly affected by hot, concentrated bases (like NaOH). We recommend cleaning with a mild detergent solution, followed by a thorough rinse with DI water, or specialized cleaning solutions like 70% ethanol/acetone or 1:1 Nitric/Sulfuric acid solution for removing stubborn organic residues. Always avoid abrasive materials, as scratching the optical window will increase light scattering and invalidate your results. Proper cleaning ensures the maximum lifetime and accuracy of the cuvette.

  • Q: What is the risk of using cemented cuvettes in the UV range?

    A: Cemented cuvettes (using UV-cured optical adhesive) pose two main risks in the UV range. First, the adhesive itself often absorbs light below 300nm, increasing the background noise (baseline shift) and limiting the usable UV range. Second, many organic solvents (e.g., DMSO, acetone, chloroform) used in chemical analysis can dissolve or weaken the adhesive over time, leading to leakage and eventual catastrophic failure of the cell. For all high-precision UV or organic solvent applications, we strongly recommend our thermal fusion-bonded cuvettes, which have no adhesive.

  • Q: How do I select the correct cuvette volume for my spectrometer?

    A: The required volume depends on the height of the light beam in your spectrometer and the inner cross-section of the cuvette. You must ensure the sample liquid level is high enough to fully intersect the light beam without passing through the meniscus. Standard spectrometers use a light beam height of approximately 8.5mm from the bottom of the cuvette. For expensive or limited samples, you can use a semi-micro or micro-volume cuvette, which narrows the width to reduce the required volume while maintaining the 10mm path length. We provide detailed technical drawings showing the window height for all our low-volume cells.

  • Q: What does "matched pair" or "matched set" mean?

    A: A matched set (usually two or four cuvettes) is a group of cuvettes specifically manufactured and measured together to ensure their path length and optical transmission characteristics are virtually identical (±0.001mm path length difference). This eliminates the need to recalibrate the instrument or apply baseline corrections when switching between the sample and the blank (reference) cuvette, which is essential for highly accurate, comparative analyses like kinetics or difference spectroscopy. We offer certified matching on all our UV-grade cuvettes upon request.

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.
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