Absorbance and Transmission
Absorbance measurements can be used to determine the quantity of a compound in a sample. Transmission and reflectance measurements characterize the surface of a sample and help better understand how light moves through a sample. Most all absorbance and transmission measurements are for quality control purposes.
Assembling an Absorbance or Transmission System
Typical systems consist of
- A light source and fiber optic cable to bring light to the sample
- A sample holder to position the sample in the light beam
- A modular spectrometer to collect a spectrum from the light that passes through the sample
The most significant variation between systems is usually how the sample is presented to the light beam. Cuvettes or vials can be used for liquid samples. Sold samples sometimes require additional optics to measure a larger or smaller sample area.
Assembling a Reflectance System
Typical systems consist of
- A light source and fiber optic cable to bring light to the sample
- A sample holder to position the sample in the light beam
- A fiber optic probe or collection optic to collect light reflected from the sample
- A modular spectrometer to collect a spectrum from the light reflects off the sample
The most significant variation between systems is usually how the sample is presented to the light beam. Cuvettes or vials can be used for liquid samples. Sold samples sometimes require additional optics to measure a larger or smaller sample area.
Application Resources
Our video series talks you through the basics of absorbance, reflectance and transmission measurements.
Video Application Note: What is Absorption Spectroscopy?
Watch B&W Tek products in action. See how the components of a spectrometer come together for absorption measurements. In this short video, we will cover some of the principles of absorption and demonstrate how to measure it using a range of samples with varying concentrations.
Video Application Note: What is Transmission Spectroscopy?
Watch B&W Tek products in action. See how the components of a spectrometer come together for absorption measurements. In this short video, we will demonstrate how to measure transmission through a pane of glass, as well as measure the transmission qualities of oil and water.
Video Application Note: What is Reflectance Spectroscopy?
Watch B&W Tek products in action. See how the components of a spectrometer come together for absorption measurements. In this short video, we define and demonstrate specular reflection using mirrors and then explain diffuse reflection using paint samples.
Absorbance & Transmission Solutions
The products below are specifically designed to help you build a spectrometer system for absorbance, reflectance or transmission. Browse our selection of products below.
Discover-It-Yourself Systems
DIY Systems from B&W Tek allow you to build exactly what you need to complete your project. We also have pre-configured systems available for purchase; just get in touch with us for a quote.
DIY UV-VIS
Modular Spectrometers
Choose from a selection of our spectrometers that support absorption, tranmission and reflectance. Covering the UV to the near-IR, our component spectrometers are trusted by generations of scientist for accuracy and reliability.
Quest™
Light Sources
Browse our collection of light sources that you can integrate into your setup based on your project and measurements.
Light SourcesContact Us
Get in touch with us to learn about our Absorbance and Transmission capabilities.
Contact Us