Sub-micro quartz cuvettes down to 18 µL for DNA/protein quantification and trace analysis.
For trace samples where every microliter counts, Scuvette's sub-micro cuvettes offer 10 mm path length with ultra-low fill volumes down to 18 µL. These cells use a reduced aperture window to minimize sample consumption while maintaining >83% transmittance — perfect for DNA/protein quantification, enzymatic assays and precious-sample analysis.
Sub-micro cells are built from JGS1 fused silica with optical contact one-piece molding for durability and reproducible optical quality. If you need a slightly larger working volume, see our micro cuvettes (350–1,750 µL) or standard 10 mm macro cuvettes. Questions on the right cell for your instrument? Contact us for guidance.
Sub-micro cuvettes are built for precious, ultra-low-volume samples — but their construction and geometry differ from a standard 10 mm cell. Please read the points below before ordering so the cell works with your instrument on the first try.
Unlike one-piece macro cuvettes, sub-micro cells are assembled with optical adhesive (glued / cemented construction). The fused-quartz body is chemically inert, but the cement is the weak point: strong acids, strong bases, hydrofluoric acid and many organic solvents attack the bond and cause leaks, fogging or cell failure. Use sub-micro cuvettes only with neutral aqueous buffers and dilute salt solutions (around pH 6–8). For aggressive chemicals, choose a one-piece or sealed cell instead — see our standard 10 mm cuvettes or ask us.
Sub-micro cells have a much smaller optical window and a defined center height. Instruments whose light beam is fixed for a standard 10 mm cuvette may not illuminate the reduced window, giving no signal or a large error. Beam geometry, sample-compartment height and reduced-volume support all vary by model. Before ordering, confirm with your instrument manufacturer (or send us your model) that a sub-micro / reduced-aperture cell is supported.
Center height is the distance from the cuvette base to the center of the optical window where the sample sits. Our sub-micro cells are offered at 15 mm and 8.5 mm center heights (see each product page). If the cell’s center height does not line up with your instrument’s beam height, the light passes above or below the sample and you get no reading. Check your instrument manual for the required “cell center height” / “beam height” and pick the matching variant — e.g. the 15 mm center-height ultra-micro cuvette.
Because the sample window is small, some instruments must be configured to measure through it: set or narrow the slit width, select the reduced-volume cell position, or adjust the beam height per the instrument manual. If the slit is too wide or mis-aimed, you may read the cell wall or empty space instead of the sample. Always run a blank with the same cell and settings first.
Fill to the marked volume with a calibrated pipette. Under-filling leaves the beam path empty (no signal / absorbance error); over-filling or trapped air bubbles cause scattering. Wipe the outer windows with a lint-free cloth, use the supplied lid if any, and keep fingerprints off the optical faces.
Rinse promptly with the neutral buffer or deionized water and air-dry. Do not soak in solvent, do not ultrasonicate, and do not autoclave — the cement cannot take those treatments (fused silica alone could, but the bond cannot). Store upright in the original box, dust-free.
Not sure which cell fits your instrument? Center height, beam geometry and slit settings differ by model. Send us your spectrophotometer brand and model (or ask your instrument maker) and we’ll confirm the right sub-micro cuvette before you order. Contact our team →
No — only neutral samples (around pH 6–8). The glued construction is attacked by strong acid, strong base and many organic solvents.
Usually a center-height mismatch or an unset slit width / beam position. Confirm the cell’s center height against your instrument’s beam height and configure the slit per the manual, then blank with the same cell.
Our sub-micro cells are offered at 15 mm and 8.5 mm center heights — choose the one your instrument requires.
As low as about 35 µL, using a reduced optical window and a fixed 10 mm (or 8.5 mm center-height) path. Micro cuvettes.
Yes, the light path stays 10 mm (or 8.5 mm center height); only the fill volume drops. Path length guide.
Yes — JGS1 fused silica for UV work on tiny samples. UV cutoff.
Precious or limited samples (single colonies, fractions, rare enzymes) where even 100 µL is too much. Protein quantification.
They keep the 12.5 mm width; a mask or holder adapter positions the reduced window in the beam. Size chart.
Yes — sealed ultra-micro cells protect very small volumes from evaporation. Screw-cap micro.