Rudolph Research Analyical - Autopol IV Automatic Polarimeter

The AUTOPOL IV is a microprocessor based automatic polarimeter that is available in one, two and six wavelength versions. The AUTOPOL IV's features include: readout in specific rotation, optical rotation and concentration, customer defined and labeled programs for push button readout, large LCD display and touchscreen user interface, temperature display and correction, push button wavelength selection, statistics, RS 232 and parallel printer ports.

The AUTOPOL IV Polarimeter can readout directly in one of four measurement modes: Optical Rotation, Specific Rotation, Concentration or Specific Rotation Plus. Specific Rotation Plus allows a correction to be applied to a result for loss on drying. Each measurement mode can be activated via touchscreen selection. Sample tubes can be specified at any length (e.g. 50mm, l00mm, 200mm), or entered as a precise dimension (e.g., 199.98mm). Concentration is entered as a percentage.

Sample Specific Programs

These programs allow for parameters such as tube length, concentration, specific rotation, wavelength, sample measurement range, measurement scale and temperature correction to be pre-specified.

The programs can be labeled with an alphanumeric name (e.g. Dextrose 2). The operator simply selects the sample program from the alphabetic list and the AUTOPOL's is ready to make measurements. Sample specific programs can be set to read either optical rotation, specific rotation, concentration or user defined scales. A user defined scale is a linear equation based on the measured value and input parameters.

Multiple Wavelengths

The AUTOPOL IV Polarimeter comes in single, dual and six wavelength models. Wavelength selection is completely automatic and is accomplished via menu selection. There are no lamps or filters to manually remove or insert. The following wavelengths are available: 365nm or 325nm, 405nm, 436nm, 546nm, 589nm and 633nm. Optional wavelengths include: 325nm, 578nm, 880nm and various other wavelengths are available; contact the factory for more information.

White-light Source Permits Spectral Versatility

The tungsten-halogen lamp employed in AUTOPOL Polarimeters is a compact, reliable, low-cost, high intensity light source that allows any desired wavelength in the visible spectrum to be selected by means of a narrow band multilayer interference filter. The AUTOPOL standard 10nm bandwidth is specified to permit high energy throughput and sensitivity for sample transmittances of only 0.01 % (O. D. = 4), while minimizing the effects of sample ORD and color. 

Temperature Display and Correction

The AUTOPOL IV Polarimeter comes standard with a temperature probe which can be inserted into the Polarimeter cell as shown to the left. The temperature of either the sample compartment or the solution itself can be continuously displayed.

Print Format

Numerous parameters, such as sample name, tube length, concentration, wavelength, time and date, temperature correction and statistics can be printed after each measurement or after a group of measurements. This is accomplished by designating the required parameters, via menu entry, during the print format setup mode. A sample printout is shown below.

RS 232 and Printer Communication

The AUTOPOL IV Polarimeter offers two RS 232 serial ports, one centronics parallel printer port and one auxiliary port. The RS 232 port allows data to be sent to a computer when the print key is pressed, when the computer requests the data or at predefined time intervals. Measurements can be remotely controlled from a host computer and the printout format and parameters can be selected via menu entry.

Real-Time Clock

AUTOPOL IV contains a real-time clock that tracks time and date. All measurements can be date and time stamped when printed out. The time is continually displayed in the upper right hand corner of the display.

Statistics

AUTOPOL IV calculates the mean, the standard deviation and records the minimum and maximum readings for up to 999 measurements Measured data for statistical calculation can be printed in either one of two ways: automatically, at predetermined time intervals or manually, by pressing the print key. Statistics for a batch of samples can be accomplished by pressing the page feed key. Statistics on time varying optically active samples can be compiled by measuring a sample at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined number of measurements.

Range Limits

Sample range limits can be specified in sample specific programs, (e.g. 24.8°Arc - 25.7°Arc). When a range is specified and the measurement falls outside this specification the display will read "out of range". Two TTL level signals are available for out of range conditions. These signals are useful for process control or alarms.

Analog Output

The AUTOPOL IV is available with an optional analog output of 0 to 10 volts and 4 to 20 mA. The analog output has a resolution of better than 0.1 % for any instrument specified range (e.g., between +89.000° Arc to -89.000° Arc). This option allows operation with most analog recorders and controllers currently on the market.