Beckman DU Spectrophotometer

Description
The Beckman DU spectrophotometer is perhaps the greatest single instrument of the postwar period. The original design dates from 1941, but the machine really became "the universal spectrophotometer" in the science boom after World War II. More accurate than the Universal or the Spectronic 20, it produces accurate absorption spectra in both the ultraviolet and the visible regions of the spectrum with relative ease and repeatable accuracy. Although attempts were made to automate its scan and add recording features, it remained a point-by-point instrument that, although no longer made, still finds applications in today's laboratory.
The instrument is housed in a black steel case with a wrinkle finish.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
spectrophotometer
Physical Description
steel (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 22.6 cm x 83 cm x 27.4 cm; 8 7/8 in x 32 11/16 in x 10 13/16 in
ID Number
1981.0535.06
catalog number
1981.535.06
accession number
1981.0535
serial number
42175
subject
Science & Mathematics
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Data Source
National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Credit Line
Transfer from NIH

Visitor Comments

Add a comment about this object

**Please read before submitting the form**

Have a comment or question about this object to share with the community? Please use the form below. Selected comments will appear on this page and may receive a museum response (but we can't promise). Please note that we generally cannot answer questions about the history, rarity, or value of your personal artifacts.

Have a question about anything else, or would you prefer a personal response? Please visit our FAQ or contact page.

Personal information will not be shared or result in unsolicited e-mail. See our privacy policy.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.