Definition of abridged spectrophotometer

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Photonics Dictionary

abridged spectrophotometer: An abridged spectrophotometer refers to a simplified or compact version of a traditional spectrophotometer, which is a scientific instrument used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths.

Characteristics and functions:

Spectrophotometer basics: A regular spectrophotometer typically measures the absorbance or transmittance of light by a sample across a range of wavelengths. It consists of a light source, a monochromator or prism to select specific wavelengths, a sample holder, and a detector.

Abridged version: An abridged spectrophotometer retains the core functionality of measuring light intensity at specific wavelengths but often with fewer features and a more simplified design. It might sacrifice certain capabilities found in full-scale spectrophotometers to achieve a more compact form factor or cost-effective design.

Applications: Abridged spectrophotometers are commonly used in fields where portability, simplicity, or cost-efficiency are prioritized over comprehensive analytical capabilities. They can still perform essential tasks like measuring absorbance for simple quantitative analysis or basic qualitative assessments.

Design features: A light source (often a tungsten lamp or LED) for illumination; a simplified optical path to direct light through the sample and onto a detector; basic wavelength selection capabilities, possibly using filters or a limited range monochromator; and basic electronics for signal processing and output.

In essence, an abridged spectrophotometer provides a streamlined solution for basic optical measurements without the complexity or full feature set of traditional spectrophotometers, making it suitable for certain applications in research, education, and industry where simpler measurements suffice.