LBL04001

Operating the Spectrophotometer

Author: Tom Hodder	Approved by: S. Thompson	SOP No. LBL04001
Signed:	Signed:	Effective from:
Date:	Date:	Last edited:

1. Purpose

• • The following document describes the procedure for the operation of the UNICAM Helios Beta Spectrophometer.

2. Scope

• • This instrument is used to meaure how much light is absorbed by a liquid sample. In full working condition this instrument supports a range of visible and UV wavelength of light.

3. Responsibilities

• • It is the responsibility of lab users to use this equipment in the manner described in this SOP.
  • It is the responsibility of lab users to report any incidents or technical problems with the equipment
  • It is the responsibility of the lab management to provide training, technical support and to ensure compliance with the operating procedures.

4. Materials

• • Quartz or plastic cuvettes with a optical path of 12mm
  • The equipment has replaceable UV and visible light bulbs

5. Related documents

• • https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Spectrophotometer
  • Software manual http://www.vtpup.cz/common/manual/PrF_biofyz_ThermoSpectronic_UV500_manual_EN.pdf
  • User Guide https://extranet.fisher.co.uk/webfiles/fr/Pjointes/Mdemploi/UNI050_EN%202203_%20HELIOS%20SERIES_%20USER.pdf

6. Definitions

• • Cuvette: A small, transparent quartz vessel. This is what a sample is put into for testing in the UV - Visible Spectrophotometer.

7. Procedures

• • The spectrophotometer should be started with good time before its required as the initialization procedure takes ~15 mins
  • The user should ensure that the sample cuvette is clean before it is inserted into the device

• • For OD600 selected the wavelength for 600nm.

• • run a reference sample of media only sample

• • run the sample cuvette

• • ensure the machine is switched off after use