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Article

Analog Spectrophotometers in the Digital Age: Data Acquisition on a Budget

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Natalie A. Nazarenko

Information Technology Department, Niagra University, NY 14109

Alexander Y. Nazarenko

Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14222

J. Chem. Educ., 2005, 82 (2), p 294

DOI: 10.1021/ed082p294

Publication Date (Web): February 1, 2005

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

In this article we describe how to employ an inexpensive analog-to-digital converter and a user interface to Microsoft Excel to make a useful computerized spectrophotometer. Readily available types of data loggers, Vernier LabPro and digital multimeters with an RS-232 interface, were utilized. The proposed design does not compromise the quality of the measurements. The conversion of the data to the Microsoft Excel format makes it a convenient tool for a wide range of data processing applications. The software can operate in Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP environments that are familiar to most chemistry students. The infrared and UV–vis instruments were used for various laboratory experiments in instrumental analytical chemistry and in organic chemistry laboratories.