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 ～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.