A multifunction spectrophotometer for measurement of optical properties of transparent and turbid liquids

A multifunction spectrophotometer was developed for the determination of optical properties of transparent and turbid liquids in the UV–visible spectral range. The geometry used in the device makes it possible to guide the light beam into the sample from desired directions, and enables controlled observation of transmission, reflection and light scattering from liquid samples. From the measured data, it is possible to calculate different variables of the samples, such as absorbance, complex refractive index, turbidity and rotation of linearly polarized light due to optical activity of the liquid. The operation of the spectrophotometer was tested using different solutions such as sugar diluted in water and lignin in sodium hydroxide and turbidity standards. This device is suggested for laboratory and industrial inspection of a variety of liquids.