A spectrophotometer is a tool that is used to measure the amount of light a chemical substance absorbs. It can do this by using a detector to measure the intensity of the light as it passes through any substance. Every compound in the universe is either absorbing, reflecting or transmitting light, this consistent process is called electromagnetic radiation. Spectrophotometry is the study of exactly how many protons any specific known chemical compound absorbs or transmits. This comes in handy in quantitative analysis within countless subjects within the fields of engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, material and chemical engineering.
No matter what brand it is, a spectrophotometer is made up of two different devices: a spectrometer and a photometer. The spectrometer emits a wavelength of light specifically calibrated by the technician, this light is then run through the chemical compound. At this point the photometer measures the amount of photons that are transmitted or absorbed by the light waves and sends the number to the display. Each mechanism consists of a light source, a collimator or lens, a monochromator or prism, a wavelength selector or slit, a sample solution or compound, a detector and then finally a digital display or meter. These pieces are delicately laid together to form a machine that performs the most precise scientific measurements possible on wavelengths of light.
Since this machine is so intricately manufactured it takes a well trained specialist to service and repair it, that is where the diligent technicians at Vaughntronics come in. The founder of Vaughntronics, John Vaughn, was a senior field engineer working in the field when he noticed the detailed work necessary to keep a spectrophotometer running efficiently. He also noticed the high cost of vendor service and how it gouged small businesses, that is when Vaughntronics was born. The technicians at this North Carolina company are well versed in Minolta, Datacolor, Hunter Lab and GretagMacbeth made spectrophotometers and are available for full service and in-house contracts as well as custom and non-contracted work.