FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find questions and answers for NanoCuvette™ One, SpectroLink™, SpectroShell™ and SpectroWorks™.
NanoCuvette™ One - General
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What do you measure using NanoCuvette™ One?The refractive index of the sample is measured using NanoCuvette™ One. It can also measure absorbance of the sample like a normal cuvette.
- What is refractive index?
The refractive index of a substance or index of refraction is a ratio comparing the speed of light in vacuum to that through the respective substance. The refractive index is a unitless number and a physical property of any substance, often related to density.
- What can I use the refractive index for?
The refractive index of a substance can be used to identify substances, check the purity of substances, and also measure concentration of solutes in solution.
- How is refractive index different from absorbance which is conventionally measured with a spectrophotometer?
A spectrophotometer can measure the attenuation (absorbance or optical density) at a wavelength or as the full spectrum is scanned. Absorbance or optical density is relevant when substances are colored or absorbing light. The refractive index is a physical property of a substance at a specific wavelength. Our online software calculates the refractive index internally at 589 nm.
- What do I need in my lab to get started?
You need a spectrophotometer, a box of NanoCuvette™ One and an internet connected PC to access our online software to complete the analysis.
- What is a spectrophotometer?
A spectrophotometer is an instrument measuring the intensity of light at different wavelengths. It has a holder to shine light through a sample solution, and measures the intensity of light absorbed through the sample. This is known as absorbance of the sample. The absorbance is used to calculate concentration of sample solutions at specific wavelengths.
- Which instruments can be used with NanoCuvette™ One?
NanoCuvette™ One will work with most common models of spectrophotometers. Please refer to the our list of spectrophotometers. The spectrum obtained needs to be analyzed using our online free software to calculate the refractive index of the sample.
- What types of samples can be measured with NanoCuvette™ One?
Any sample which can be in liquid form and not dissolving the plastic PMMA of the NanoCuvette™ One can be measured.
- Can I re-use NanoCuvette™ One?
Yes, it is possible to re-use NanoCuvette™ One dependning on cleaning protocol and sample. Contact us if you have questions about a specific sample.
- How do I clean the NanoCuvette™ One?
There is a cleaning protocol, which can be found in the section on the product description about NanoCuvette™ One, however contact us and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities.
NanoCuvette™ One - Measurements
- Can you measure proteins?
Yes, proteins can be quantified with NanoCuvette™ One. Please refer to the protein application page for details.
- What volumes can you measure with NanoCuvette™ One?
NanoCuvette™ One can be use in either full mode or droplet mode. In full mode, it needs at least 2 mL for full cuvette measurements. In case of droplet mode, a volume of 0.5 µL is required.
- What is an appropriate reference solution?
Any clear liquid of known refractive index can be used. Reference liquids should have a refractive index as close to the sample as possible for highest accuracy. We recommend using de-ionised water (DI) water as reference solution for samples in aqueous solutions.
- Is it possible to do kinetics with NanoCuvette™ One?
Yes, it is possible to follow experiments in real-time and measure kinetics. Please refer to the application page on enzymes and kinetics for kinetic measurements.
NanoCuvette™ One - Specifications
- Will the sample size of the volume affect the concentration?
No, there will be no effect on the concentration being measured when the volume is 2 mL (full-cuvette) and a droplet volume of 0.5 µL (small volume). Please refer to droplet application note for common mistakes when using small volumes.
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What path lengths are used to make measurements and is the user required to make any calculations relevant to the path length?
The path length is 10 mm. This is method does not need the user to make any calculation based on path length of the sample.
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What beam size are used to make measurements?
For both 2 mL and 0.5 µL measurements, wide beam light sources as in conventional spectrophotometer and narrow beam as in CCD-spectrophotometers are both compatible to be used with NanoCuvette™ One.
SpectroWorks™ - Cloud computing
- What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers, companies can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider.
- Who is using cloud computing?
Today, organizations of every type, size, and industry are using the cloud for a wide variety of use cases, such as data backup, disaster recovery, email, virtual desktops, software development and testing, big data analytics, and customer-facing web applications. For example, healthcare companies are using the cloud to develop more personalized treatments for patients.
- Which cloud infrastructure hosts SpectroWorks™?
We use the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Global Cloud Infrastructure, which is one of the most secure, extensive, and reliable cloud platforms, offering over 175 fully featured services from data centers globally.
- Is the AWS cloud safe and secure?
Yes, AWS is known as one of the most trusted cloud providers in the market with access control, data encryption methods, and secure network access. AWS today runs about 1/3 of the internet, including services for Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Netflix and ThermoFisher Scientific.
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How does SpectroWorks cost?
SpectroWorks™ comes free of charge. The cost of running a professional cloud service is included with every NanoCuvette™ or SpectroLink™ purchase.
