Variable path length transmittance cell for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry

The design and characteristics of a transmittance cell for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry are described, Through modification of a previously reported design, this cell employs threaded glass connectors as insertion ports for either quartz- or silicon-windowed tubes, thus permitting essentially continuous variation of the optical path length from similar to 0.050 to 200 mm, Though the initial fabrication requires skillful glassblowing, once constructed, the cell's simple design allows for rapid and reproducible disassembly/reassembly between experiments, The utility of the cell for a diversity of fluid samples is demonstrated through applications to water, aqueous ferricyanide, ferrocene in methylene chloride, and acetone vapor.