UV-2600i Plus, UV-2700i Plus UV-Vis Spectrophotometers

Importance of Topic

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry remains a foundational analytical technique across research and industry. Advances in stray-light suppression, extended wavelength coverage, and integrated data management directly impact quality control, materials characterization, environmental monitoring, and life-science applications. Shimadzu’s UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus exemplify these innovations, enabling high-absorbance measurements, near-infrared extension, and compliance with data integrity regulations.

Objectives and Overview

This application note presents the design features, performance benchmarks, and workflow enhancements of the UV-2600i Plus (single monochromator) and UV-2700i Plus (double monochromator). It outlines their capability to address diverse measurement needs through accessory modularity, software automation, and regulatory compliance.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The instruments utilize Shimadzu’s LO-RAY-LIGH™ diffraction gratings to minimize stray light and extend absorbance linearity to 8 Abs. The UV-2600i Plus paired with the ISR-2600Plus integrating sphere covers 220–1400 nm, while the UV-2700i Plus achieves ultra-low stray-light performance over 400–650 nm. Key accessories include:

• Integrating sphere (ISR-2600/ISR-2600Plus)
• Variable-angle measurement unit (MPC-2600A)
• Thermoelectric cell holders (TCC-100, TMSPC-8ip)
• Autosampler systems (ASX-280/ASX-560)
• LabSolutions UV-Vis software with spectral evaluation, UPF, color, film thickness, and solar transmittance modules

Main Results and Discussion

The UV-2700i Plus double monochromator demonstrates absorbance linearity up to 8 Abs, enabling direct measurement of highly concentrated or low-transmittance polarization films. The UV-2600i Plus with ISR-2600Plus extends reliable measurements into the 1100–1400 nm range, revealing band-gap features of solar-cell materials and transmittance edges of silicon wafers. Automated spectral evaluation and real-time Excel® integration streamline data analysis and pass/fail judgments, while LabSolutions CS/DB environments ensure ER/ES compliance, audit trails, and project-level security.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-absorbance quantitation without dilution for dyes, films, and biological samples
• Band-gap determination of semiconductors and solar absorbers via diffuse-reflectance spectra
• Film thickness measurement using interference waveforms
• Thermal melting analysis (Tm) of oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) assessment of textiles and coatings
• Fully automated sample handling with autosamplers for high-throughput QC workflows

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging digital technologies—IoT-enabled instruments, machine-to-machine diagnostics, and AI-driven data analysis—will further enhance productivity, reliability, and self-monitoring capabilities. Cloud integration and remote terminal services will support global networks of analytical labs, while advanced software modules will expand application coverage in nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and environmental forensics.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu UV-2600i Plus and UV-2700i Plus combine superior stray-light control, extended spectral range, modular accessories, and robust software to address evolving analytical demands. Their high-performance optics, automated workflows, and data-integrity frameworks position them as versatile platforms for research, industrial QC, and regulatory compliance.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation. C101-E184: UV-Vis Spectrophotometers UV-2600i Plus / UV-2700i Plus Application Note, 2025.