Spectrometers

Logger Pro supports several Spectrometer models from Vernier Software & Technology and Ocean Optics. Use a Spectrometer to perform the following types of experiments:

Perform a continuous absorbance spectrum analysis of a liquid sample.
Analyze a set of samples of varying concentration at a selected wavelength, as in conducting Beer's law.
Measure the absorbance of a reaction at a selected wavelength over time, to conduct studies of reaction kinetics. Note: Fiber optic cable required.
Measure emissions from a gas discharge tube, LED, or other source of light.
Measure fluorescence intensity at selected wavelengths. Note: Can only be performed with a SpectroVis Plus.

Measurment Options

Spectrometers can make several types of measurments. To set the type of measurement you want to make, choose Change Units from the Experiment menu.

%Transmittance

Measures the amount of light that passes through the sample cuvette. Requires calibration.

Intensity

Measures the amount of light from an external source, usually directed into the detector using a fiber optics cable (available from Vernier Software & Technology).

Fluorescence 405 or 500 nm

The sample is excited by a 405 or 500 nm light source. The intensity of the resultant fluorescence of the sample is measured by the detector (only available on SpectroVis Plus).

Absorbance

A measure of the amount of light absorbed by the sample. Requires calibration.

How to Calibrate a Spectrometer

Calibrate your Spectrometer when measuring Absorbance or %Transmittance (it is not required when measuring Intensity or Fluorescence).

Connect the Spectrometer to the computer via USB cable.
To calibrate the device, choose Calibrate > Spectrometer from the Experiment menu. Prepare a blank cuvette with the solvent for your experiment.
The calibration dialog box will display the message: “Waiting …seconds for the lamp to warm up.” The minimum warm up time is one minute. You may wait longer than one minute for added stability.
Insert the blank cuvette into the cuvette holder.
When the warm up time is complete, click Finish Calibration. Wait for a few seconds for the calibration to be completed, and then click OK.