Chapter 1: Introduction
5090339 A
11
Supported Plates
Depending on the application, the instrument can read 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384-well plates.
For the absorbance read mode you can use plates up to a height of 22 mm. For the
fluorescence read mode and the luminescence read mode you can use plates up to a height of
20 mm and the instrument confirms that the height is consistent with the plate type you select.
To read cuvettes, the instrument supports the use of the SpectraCuvette adapter that has a blue
label.
This is the only cuvette adapter that will result in accurate readings from this instrument. Do not
use other cuvette adapters. See
Accessories and Support on page 45
The plate list in the software includes half area and low-volume plates. The software allows you
to define a new plate type based on the manufacturer's specifications for well size, spacing, and
distance from the plate edge.
Use polystyrene plates for absorbance wavelengths above 340 nm.
To allow transmission of the deep UV spectra when you do a read at wavelengths below
340 nm, you must use special UV-transparent plates or quartz plates.
Endpoint, Kinetic, and Well-Scan read types are available with any plate model.
For low volume measurements, the instrument supports the SpectraDrop Micro-Volume
Microplate.
Note: Although not recommended, you can also use strip-well plates in the instrument.
When you use strip-wells, use high quality support frames or holders. To avoid warping,
you should fill the frame or holder with empty strips.
Temperature Regulation
The temperature in the plate chamber is isothermal, both at ambient and when you turn on the
incubator. When you turn on the incubator, you can set the temperature from 4°C above
ambient to 45°C. The ambient temperature must be at least 20°C to reach the 45°C operating
temperature. The operating humidity must be non-condensing, and can range from 15% to 75%.
