Spectrophotometry of Small Aqueous Samples

This study will develop of microspectrophotometric apparatus with sensitivities orders ofmagnitude greater than heretofore possible. The research project will investigate techniques forfabricating unique capillary cells to be used as microanalytical cuvettes. Experiments will be conductedto confirm light absorption linearity as a function of fluid analyte concentration for fluid sample volumesof as little as I microliter or less. Performance will be compared with the same measurements on aconventional spectrophotometer at I milliliter volumes for the same concentration ranges. The behaviorof the capillary cells will be studied in the visible and ultra violet wavelength ranges. We, with greatlyenhanced sensitivity and very low fluid sample volume requirements, will find ready acceptance in theresearch instrument market.