Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer is used to quantify and qualify samples by the means of UV and visible light (mainly 200 to 900 nm). In comparison to the first commercially available UV/Vis spectrophotometer, which has been a monochromatic scanner, the NanoPhotometer represents a new class of UV-Vis spectrophotometer instruments with a polychromatic rather than a monochromatic optical setup.

The full spectrum of light produced by a Xenon Flash Lamp is sent through the sample and then separated after it is passed using a polychromator. To record the signals, modern UV-Vis spectrophotometers are utilizing a CCD or CMOS detector (linear camera), which allows to record high-resolution spectra over the entire wavelength range within a few seconds even.