Micro-Volume UV/VIS Spectrophotometer
Micro-volume UV/VIS spectrophotometers in three models: the benchtop double-beam BK-CW500 reads drops from 0.2 µL across 190–1100 nm; the compact BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000 read 0.5 µL in about 5 seconds with no warm-up, and the BK-CW2000 adds a cuvette platform.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- 3 selectable configurations
- SKU family
- BIO-0413
- Sizing
- BK-CW500 — benchtop micro-volume: Minimum sample volume 0.2 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 0.5 mm; BK-CW1000 — micro-volume: Minimum sample volume 0.5 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 1 / 0.2 mm; BK-CW2000 — micro-volume + cuvette: Minimum sample volume 0.5 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 1 / 0.2 / 0.05 mm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Imaging & Analysis
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Micro-Volume UV/VIS Spectrophotometer line measures nucleic acids, proteins and bacterial concentration from a single drop, in three models. The BK-CW500 is a benchtop grating double-beam UV/VIS spectrophotometer with a micro-volume sample holder: it reads drops from 0.2 µL and also runs quantitative tests, wavelength scans across 190–1100 nm, kinetics and multi-wavelength methods. The BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000 are compact, PC-controlled micro-volume instruments that read 0.5 µL drops in about 5 seconds, using a xenon flash lamp that needs no warm-up. The BK-CW2000 adds a cuvette platform.
Which model to choose
- BK-CW500, benchtop micro-volume (double beam): the smallest sample (0.2 µL), a 0.5 mm path, dsDNA detection from 2.5 to 7,500 ng/µL, 4 nm spectral bandwidth and ±0.5 nm wavelength accuracy. Choose it for the lowest sample volume and for general spectrophotometry methods such as wavelength scanning and kinetics.
- BK-CW1000, compact micro-volume: 1 mm and 0.2 mm path lengths, absorbance up to 300 (10 mm equivalent) without dilution, 5-second readings and a 2 kg footprint for routine DNA, RNA and protein quantification.
- BK-CW2000, compact micro-volume + cuvette: everything in the BK-CW1000 plus a cuvette platform (10 / 5 / 2 / 1 mm) and a 0.05 mm micro-volume path for very concentrated samples. Its absorbance range starts at 0.005 (vs 0.02), with ±0.01 Abs accuracy at low absorbance, so it suits dilute samples and cuvette work such as culture density.
Standard accessories
BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000: driver software CD, power cable and power adapter. BK-CW500: confirmed with your quote.
How It Works
BK-CW500. A drop of sample is placed on the micro-volume sample holder and measured in a simple drop sample – rotation – detection sequence, with no light loss during the measurement. A grating double-beam optical system with halogen and deuterium lamps covers 190–1100 nm at a 4 nm spectral bandwidth, and the instrument also runs wavelength scans (up to 4,000 nm/min), kinetics and multi-wavelength methods. Results go to a USB printer or to a PC.
BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000. A drop is placed on the lower measurement surface and the arm is closed, forming a short liquid column between the stainless-steel and quartz surfaces. A xenon flash lamp sends light through the column and a 3648-pixel linear CCD array records the whole spectrum at once, so a reading takes about 5 seconds. Short path lengths (1 mm and 0.2 mm, plus 0.05 mm on the BK-CW2000) keep concentrated samples in range, up to 300 absorbance units (10 mm equivalent), without dilution. The BK-CW2000 also reads standard cuvettes at 10, 5, 2 or 1 mm.
All three models follow the Beer-Lambert law: absorbance scales with concentration and path length.
Features & Benefits
Research identifier
This ID comes from the NCI Thesaurus (NCIT). Use it in data records and methods sections.
- Device type
- Spectrophotometer
NCIT:C62333
Sizes by model
| Measurement | BK-CW500 — benchtop micro-volume | BK-CW1000 — micro-volume | BK-CW2000 — micro-volume + cuvette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum sample volume | 0.2 µL | 0.5 µL | 0.5 µL |
| Micro-volume path lengths | 0.5 mm | 1 / 0.2 mm | 1 / 0.2 / 0.05 mm |
| Wavelength range | 190-1100 nm | 190-1100 nm | 190-1100 nm |
| Light source | Halogen and deuterium | Xenon flash | Xenon flash |
| Shipping box | 480 × 600 × 360 mm | 310 × 310 × 310 mm | 310 × 310 × 310 mm |
| Gross weight | 11 kg | 5 kg | 5 kg |
| Cuvette path lengths | — | Not available | 10 / 5 / 2 / 1 mm |
| Absorbance range (10 mm) | — | 0.02-300 | 0.005-300 |
| Net weight | — | 2 kg | 2.5 kg |
Notes
- BK-CW500 — benchtop micro-volume: dsDNA 2.5-7,500 ng/µL detectable; 10-5,000 ng/µL precise
- BK-CW1000 — micro-volume: Test accuracy 0.1-5 Abs: ±0.1 Abs; 5-80 Abs: ±2%
- BK-CW2000 — micro-volume + cuvette: Test accuracy 0.01-0.5 Abs: ±0.01 Abs; 0.5-80 Abs: ±2%
BK-CW500: benchtop micro-volume UV/VIS spectrophotometer
| Specification | BK-CW500 |
|---|---|
| Minimum sample volume | 0.2 µL |
| Micro-volume path length | 0.5 mm |
| Detectable concentration range | 2.5–7,500 ng/µL (dsDNA) |
| Minimum precise detection concentration | 10 ng/µL (dsDNA) |
| Maximum precise detection concentration | 5,000 ng/µL (dsDNA) |
| DNA reproducibility | <±1.0% (dsDNA at 1,000 ng/µL) |
| Wavelength range | 190–1100 nm |
| Spectral bandwidth | 4 nm |
| Optical system | Grating double beam |
| Wavelength accuracy | ±0.5 nm |
| Wavelength repeatability | 0.3 nm |
| Maximum scanning speed | 4,000 nm/min |
| Photometric accuracy | ±0.5%T or ±0.004 A at 1 A |
| Photometric range | 0–200%T; −0.3 to 0.3 A; 0–9999 concentration |
| Stray light | 0.05%T at 220 and 340 nm |
| Stability | ±0.001 A/h at 500 nm |
| Baseline flatness | ±0.002 A |
| Light source | Halogen and deuterium lamps |
| Output | USB printing and data output; connects to a PC |
| Power supply | AC 110/220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
| Package size (W × D × H) | 480 × 600 × 360 mm |
| Gross weight | 11 kg |
BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000: compact micro-volume spectrophotometers
| Specification | BK-CW1000 | BK-CW2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum sample volume | 0.5 µL | 0.5 µL |
| Micro-volume path lengths | 1 / 0.2 mm | 1 / 0.2 / 0.05 mm |
| Cuvette path lengths | Not available | 10 / 5 / 2 / 1 mm |
| Full wavelength range | 190-1100 nm | 190-1100 nm |
| Scanning wavelength range | 190-850 nm | 190-850 nm |
| Wavelength accuracy | 1 nm | 1 nm |
| Wavelength resolution | ≤0.3 nm (FWHM at Hg 253.7 nm) | ≤0.3 nm (FWHM at Hg 253.7 nm) |
| Absorbance accuracy | 2% (0.76 at 257 nm) | 2% (0.76 at 257 nm) |
| Absorbance resolution | 0.002 Abs (1 mm) | 0.002 Abs (1 mm) |
| Absorbance range (10 mm equivalent) | 0.02-300 | 0.005-300 |
| Test accuracy | 0.1-5 Abs: ±0.1 Abs; 5-80 Abs: ±2% | 0.01-0.5 Abs: ±0.01 Abs; 0.5-80 Abs: ±2% |
| Test time | 5 s | 5 s |
| Detector | 3648-pixel linear CCD array | 3648-pixel linear CCD array |
| Light source | Xenon flash lamp | Xenon flash lamp |
| Sample platform | 304 stainless steel and quartz | 304 stainless steel and quartz |
| Control | PC (driver software) | PC (driver software) |
| Power consumption | 24 W | 24 W |
| Power supply | AC 110/220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz | AC 110/220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
| External size (W × D × H) | 200 × 130 × 136 mm | 200 × 130 × 136 mm |
| Package size (W × D × H) | 310 × 310 × 310 mm | 310 × 310 × 310 mm |
| Net weight | 2 kg | 2.5 kg |
| Gross weight | 5 kg | 5 kg |
| Standard accessories | Driver software CD, power cable, power adapter (1 each) | Driver software CD, power cable, power adapter (1 each) |
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample volume | 0.2 µL (BK-CW500); 0.5 µL (BK-CW1000/BK-CW2000) | 1–2 µL on many micro-volume instruments; 1–3 mL in standard cuvettes | Less sample used per reading |
| Wavelength range | 190–1100 nm on all three models | Often ends at 800–1000 nm on micro-volume instruments | Wider range for visible and near-infrared methods |
| Optics (BK-CW500) | Grating double beam, 4 nm bandwidth, ±0.5 nm accuracy | Dedicated micro-volume readers with fixed methods | Scanning, kinetics and multi-wavelength methods on the same instrument |
| Warm-up (BK-CW1000/BK-CW2000) | None (xenon flash lamp) | Deuterium/halogen lamps need warm-up time | Measure as soon as it is on |
| Micro-volume path lengths (BK-CW1000/BK-CW2000) | 1 / 0.2 mm (BK-CW2000 adds 0.05 mm) | Single fixed path | Concentrated samples measured without dilution |
| Cuvette option (BK-CW2000) | 10 / 5 / 2 / 1 mm | Separate cuvette spectrophotometer | Drops and cuvettes in one bench footprint |
Choose the BK-CW500 for the smallest samples and general spectrophotometry methods, the BK-CW1000 for fast routine DNA, RNA and protein quantification, and the BK-CW2000 when you also need cuvette readings, culture density or the widest absorbance range.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BK-CW500 — benchtop micro-volume | Minimum sample volume 0.2 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 0.5 mm · Wavelength range 190-1100 nm · Light source Halogen and deuterium | BIO-0413-BK-CW500 | $8,468.99 | Available | 60 × 48 × 36 cm |
| BK-CW1000 — micro-volume | Minimum sample volume 0.5 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 1 / 0.2 mm · Cuvette path lengths Not available · Wavelength range 190-1100 nm | BIO-0413-BK-CW1000 | $10,498.99 | Available | 31 × 31 × 31 cm |
| BK-CW2000 — micro-volume + cuvette | Minimum sample volume 0.5 µL · Micro-volume path lengths 1 / 0.2 / 0.05 mm · Cuvette path lengths 10 / 5 / 2 / 1 mm · Wavelength range 190-1100 nm | BIO-0413-BK-CW2000 | $12,616.99 | Available | 31 × 31 × 31 cm |
Practical Tips
Blank with the same buffer your samples are in, and re-blank when you change buffers.
Why: Buffer components absorb in the UV and shift results.
Wipe the sample surfaces with lint-free tissue and deionized water between samples. Never use abrasive cleaners on quartz.
Why: Carry-over and scratches change the light path and the reading.
Mix samples gently before pipetting and avoid bubbles in the drop.
Why: Bubbles and uneven drops scatter light.
On the BK-CW1000/BK-CW2000, use the shortest path for very concentrated samples, and cuvettes (BK-CW2000) for dilute samples or OD600.
Why: Keeps absorbance inside the most accurate range.
Let the halogen and deuterium lamps stabilize after switching on, then blank.
Why: Lamp output settles after power-on.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- BK-CW1000 or BK-CW2000: main unit, driver software CD, power cable, power adapter
- BK-CW500: main unit; standard accessories confirmed with your quote
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with comprehensive technical support including method development assistance and troubleshooting guidance.
Compliance
Which model do I need?
Choose the BK-CW500 for the smallest samples (0.2 µL) and for general spectrophotometry methods such as wavelength scanning and kinetics. Choose the BK-CW1000 for fast, routine micro-volume DNA, RNA and protein quantification. Choose the BK-CW2000 if you also need cuvette readings (for example OD600 culture density), the extra 0.05 mm path for very concentrated samples, or better accuracy at low absorbance.
What is the smallest sample I can measure?
0.2 µL on the BK-CW500, and 0.5 µL on the BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000.
Do I need cuvettes?
No, not for micro-volume readings. The BK-CW2000 also has a cuvette platform for 10, 5, 2 and 1 mm cuvettes.
Does it need to warm up?
The BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000 use a xenon flash lamp and are ready when switched on. The BK-CW500 uses halogen and deuterium lamps; let them stabilize after switching on.
Does it have a built-in screen?
The BK-CW1000 and BK-CW2000 have no screen and are run from a PC with the included driver software. The BK-CW500 sends results over USB to a printer or a PC.
What wavelength range does it cover?
190–1100 nm on all three models. The BK-CW1000/BK-CW2000 scan 190–850 nm with 1 nm accuracy on a 3648-pixel CCD; the BK-CW500 is a grating double-beam instrument with ±0.5 nm accuracy, 4 nm bandwidth and scanning up to 4,000 nm/min.
What DNA concentrations can the BK-CW500 measure?
It detects dsDNA from 2.5 to 7,500 ng/µL, with precise measurement from 10 to 5,000 ng/µL and reproducibility better than ±1.0% at 1,000 ng/µL.
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