QS is the identification logo which indicates that Quartz of the highest purity and homogeneity has been used for the window. Because it is produced from a silicon compound, it is also called synthetic Quartz. We use Quartz SUPRASIL from Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH, with which gives transmission values of more than 80 % over a spectral range of between 200 nm and 2500 nm for an empty cell.

QH or UV are the trademarks which identity a Quartz that has been manufactured by melting natural crystalline quartz. We use HERASIL Quartz from Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH or equivalent material from other suppliers. An empty cell manufactured from this material gives a transmission of more than 80 % over a spectral range of between 230 nm and 2500 nm.

QX stands for a synthetic Quartz that is free from OH absorption. Therefore it is suitable for applications in the near infrared range up to approximately 4000 nm. We use Quartz SUPRASIL 300 from Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH, which gives a transmission of more than 80 % over a spectral range of between 200 nm and 3500 nm for an empty cell.

OS indicates that SCHOTT type UK 5 is used for cells referred to in the catalogue as manufactured from “Special Optical Glass”. This crown glass is made from exceptionally pure raw materials, which gives an improved transmission in the near ultraviolet range. An empty cell will give a transmission of more than 80 % over a spectral range of between 320 nm and 2500 nm.

OG is a trademark that distinguishes cells which are not used in spectrophotometry. Here, a glass is used, which we refer to in the catalogue as “Optical Glass”. We use B 270-Superwite from SCHOTT DESAG, a colourless highly transparent crown glass in the form of drawn panes with fire-polished surfaces. The quality of the surfaces is so high that the components can be fused using the Hellma process without further grinding and polishing. An empty cell made of B 270-Superwite will give a transmission of more than 80 % over a spectral range of between 360 nm and 2500 nm.

BF is the trademark for cells which are manufactured entirely from borosilicate glass, the composition and properties of which are laid down by an international standard. This type of glass possesses a high chemical resistance and a low coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.3 x 10^-6 K^-1. This makes it particularly suitable for use as laboratory glassware. For the windows of these cells we use SCHOTT Borofloat, a borosilicate glass manufactured using the float process. It combines the good chemical properties of Duran with very good optical properties (homogeneity, transmission). An empty cell made from this material has a transmission of greater than 80 % at a spectral range of between 330 nm and 2500 nm.