Used Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

The Used Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer​ is a high-performance, dual-beam instrument renowned for its pulsed xenon flash lamp​ technology, exceptional speed, and versatility. As a pre-owned unit, it offers outstanding value for laboratories requiring research-grade capabilities—from fast kinetics and DNA/protein analysis to routine QA/QC—without the capital expenditure of new equipment. Its robust design and long-lasting consumable-free light source make it a particularly reliable choice in the secondary market.

Instrument Overview and Key Advantages

The Cary 60 stands out in the used market due to its unique maintenance-light​ design. Unlike traditional deuterium/tungsten lamp systems that require frequent bulb replacement and warm-up time, the Cary 60 utilizes a pulsed xenon lamp with an exceptionally long operational life (rated for billions of flashes, equivalent to ~10 years of normal use). This translates to lower lifetime cost of ownership and minimal downtime—a significant advantage when purchasing used equipment. The instrument features a broad wavelength range of 190–1100 nm, covering UV, Vis, and part of the NIR spectrum, and is controlled via Agilent's Cary WinUV​ software, which supports compliance with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.

Core Technical Specifications and Performance

1. High-Speed Optical System

The Cary 60 is a true double-beam​ spectrophotometer with a Czerny-Turner monochromator and a high-speed scanning capability of up to 24,000 nm/min. It can acquire a full spectrum (190-1100 nm) in approximately 3 seconds, making it ideal for time-resolved studies, reaction monitoring, and high-throughput screening. The photometric range extends up to 4 Abs, allowing for the direct measurement of concentrated samples without dilution.

2. Pulsed Xenon Lamp Benefits

The flash lamp technology (flashing at 80 Hz) provides several critical benefits:

• No Warm-up Time:​ The instrument is ready for measurement immediately upon power-up.

• Reduced Photodegradation:​ Light exposure to sensitive biological samples (e.g., proteins, dyes) is minimized as the lamp only flashes during data acquisition.

• Stable Baseline:​ The dual-beam design combined with the stable flash lamp ensures excellent photometric accuracy and low noise.

3. Flexibility and Accessories

The sample compartment is designed to accommodate a wide range of accessories, which is a key consideration when evaluating a used unit. Common configurations include:

• Microvolume Accessories:​ The focused beam allows for measurements with sample volumes as low as 5 µL using specialized cuvettes or fiber optic probes, perfect for precious DNA/RNA samples.

• Multi-Cell Holders:​ Automated cell changers for high-throughput concentration analysis.

• Peltier Temperature Controllers:​ For temperature-dependent studies (e.g., enzyme kinetics, melting curves).

Typical Applications

A used Cary 60 is exceptionally versatile and finds application across multiple disciplines:

• Life Sciences:​ Quantification of nucleic acids (A260/A280) and proteins (Bradford, Lowry assays) with high accuracy.

• Pharmaceutical QA/QC:​ Determination of drug concentration, purity assessment, and dissolution testing.

• Chemical & Material Science:​ Kinetic studies, colorimetric assays, and general quantitative analysis in chemistry labs.

• Teaching & Research:​ Its ease of use and durability make it a staple in academic teaching labs and core facilities.

Purchasing Considerations for a Used Unit

When evaluating a Used Agilent Cary 60, focus on the following to ensure a sound investment:

• Lamp Status:​ While the xenon lamp is long-lived, verify the instrument's total power-on hours or check for error logs related to lamp intensity. A unit with low usage hours is preferable.

• Software & Connectivity:​ Ensure the sale includes the original Cary WinUV​ software license (dongle) and that it is compatible with your operating system (Windows 10/11). Verify USB connectivity.

• Wavelength & Photometric Calibration:​ Request recent calibration records or perform a baseline scan to check for wavelength accuracy (±0.5 nm) and photometric noise.

• Accessory Compatibility:​ Confirm that any specialized holders or probes (e.g., fiber optics, temperature controller) are included and functional.

In summary, the Used Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is a smart acquisition for any lab seeking a fast, reliable, and low-maintenance spectroscopic workhorse. Its industry-leading flash lamp technology and broad application range ensure that a well-maintained used unit will deliver many more years of high-quality data with minimal running costs.