Temperature-controlled Cuvette Holder
and Kits

The qpod™ is a temperature-regulated sample compartment for fiber optic spectroscopy that controls the temperature of standard 1-cm square cuvettes to +/-0.05 ºC. The unit includes a Peltier controller, magnetic stirrer and fused silica focusing lenses, and has SMA 905 connectors for easy coupling to Ocean Optics spectrometers and accessories. Each unit is calibrated against a NIST-traceable thermometer; performance data is provided.

When combined with Ocean Optics spectrometers and accessories, the qpod is especially useful for absorbance and fluorescence measurements that require stringent control of the sample’s temperature. Typical applications include protein and DNA thermodynamics, fluorophore characterization, enzyme kinetics and on-line thermocycling of biological particles. The qpod was conceived by our channel partner Quantum Northwest as an improvement on its CUV-TLC-series Temperature-regulated Cuvette Holders.

At a Glance

The qpod is constructed of a single molded housing. A Peltier-controlled cuvette holder in the center provides temperature control and variable speed magnetic stirring and holds optical slits for limiting light access to the cuvette as needed. A dry gas purge may be used to minimize condensation when working at low temperatures.

SMA 905 fiber optic connections and high quality fused silica optics may be inserted in different combinations into optical ports in the walls surrounding the cuvette holder. Accessories such as polarizers and filter holders may be inserted into the light paths. Spherical mirrors may be used to enhance excitation or emitted light. All optics provide focusing and position adjustments for maximizing signal throughput.

Features

• Rapid and precise temperature control over a wide range of temperatures from -30º C to +105º C+0.05º C (controllable to even lower temperatures under special conditions)

• Calibrated against a NIST-traceable thermometer with performance data provided

• Designed for standard 1x1 cm square cuvettes or standard microcuvettes

• Variable speed magnetic stirring to maintain uniform sample temperature

• Dry gas purge to reduce condensation when working at low temperatures

• Light tight cover with access cap providing a means of holding a thermistor probe in the cuvette

• Collimating optics available for straight-through absorbance measurements

• Imaging optics available for efficient excitation and light collection for fluorescent samples

• Spherical mirror plugs available for enhancing excitation or emitted light

• All optical components have focusing and position adjustments to maximize light throughput

• Optical slits provided for limiting light access to the cuvette as needed

• Filter holders for 12.5-mm diameter filters available for mounting on lens assemblies

• Polarizer available for fluorescence measurements

• Input jack on temperature controller to accept a thermistor probe for measuring sample temperature

• Windows-based software available for external control of the temperature controller -- permitting complex experiments including temperature ramping

Kits and Components Pricing

Contact an
Ocean Optics 
Applications Scientist