UV-VIS Spectrometer Cuvette Holder

Description

UV-VIS Spectrometer Cuvette Holder

K. Sawicki, S. Karcz, J. Mrzygłod, T. Machnik, M. Kocon, D. Grochala, A. Paleczek and A. Rydosz, “UV-VIS Spectrometer Cuvette Holder” figshare. 20-12-2025 https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30927902

I enjoy working with a team on electronics, thin film technology, and biosensor topics.

http://www.lab.agh.edu.pl/

Introduction 

Due to the lack of a suitable commercially available cuvette holder for UV-VIS measurements of liquid samples, a custom holder was designed and fabricated. The holder accommodates 12.5 × 12.5 × 45 mm cuvettes, features a neodymium magnet clamping mechanism for stable positioning, and blocks external light through an integrated cover. It is compatible with 74-ACR lenses and SMA-terminated optical fibers, and can be mounted directly on an optical breadboard. The assembly was produced using 3D-printed PETG, ensuring mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and compact integration into laboratory UV-VIS setups.

The stand was developed in our spare time in response to the need to perform UV-VIS spectroscopic measurements of liquid samples, as no suitable commercially available holder was available. With spare parts at hand and experience in measurements, we decided to design a custom holder tailored to our specific requirements.

The cuvette holder was designed for 12.5 × 12.5 × 45 mm cuvettes and is intended for use in UV-VIS spectroscopy. The holder features a clamping mechanism implemented using neodymium magnets, which effectively secures the cuvette, eliminating displacement and vibrations during measurements. This solution ensures stable and reproducible positioning of the cuvette without the need for additional fastening elements.

The integrated cover blocks external light, making the design compact and eliminating the need for additional optical shields. This minimizes the influence of ambient light on the measurement results.

The holder is compatible with the 74-ACR lens. Mounting holes with UNC 3/8-24 (3/8-24 UNF) threads are provided, in accordance with the specifications of 74-ACR lenses from Ocean Optics. The lens holes require final machining, involving drilling to a diameter of 8.5 mm and creating a through UNC 3/8-24 (3/8-24 UNF) thread. The lenses are designed for use with SMA-terminated optical fibers.

The holder design allows for direct mounting on an optical breadboard, enabling easy integration into laboratory optical setups and precise positioning relative to other elements of the optical path.

The entire assembly was fabricated using 3D printing from PETG, providing good mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and sufficient thermal durability for laboratory applications.

The holder allows easy integration into UV-VIS measurement setups, ensuring mechanical stability, protection against external light, and full compatibility with commonly used optical components.

The measurement stand was fabricated under the realization of the SONATA BIS 2022/46/E/ST7/00008 project, funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN).