Below are general answers on typical components of a refractometer from the list of Gao Tek’s refractometers. To facilitate our customers to select our products, we have further classified our refractometers by their features  alarm enabled, auto,  auto shut-off, benchtop, handheld,  high precision laboratory,  industrial,  outdoor,  rugged,  sugar,  wide measurement range,  and  wine.

We have products in stock and can ship overnight to most places in the U.S. and Canada.

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form or email us.

 

Prism or Sample Plate:

  • Material: Usually made of glass or other transparent materials with a high refractive index. The sample is applied to this surface for measurement.

Light Source:

  • Incident Light: A light source, often a small bulb or LED, directs light onto the prism or sample plate.

Lens System:

  • Collimating Lens: Focuses the incident light onto the sample, ensuring a parallel beam enters the refractometer.
  • Reticle or Scale: A scale or reticle is often present in the eyepiece or viewed through a digital display, allowing users to read the refractive index directly.

Prism Housing:

  • Enclosure: Protects the prism or sample plate and provides a stable environment for accurate measurements.
  • Cover Plate:Some GAO Tek’s refractometers have a cover plate to prevent contamination of the sample.

Collimator:

  • Optical System: Aligns and collimates the light entering the refractometer to ensure accuracy in the measurement.

Reticle or Scale (Analog Models):

  • Graduations: Markings or numerical values on the reticle or scale that indicate the refractive index or concentration of the sample.

Electronic Components (Digital Models):

  • Photodetector: Converts the refracted light into an electrical signal.
  • Microprocessor: Processes the signal and calculates the refractive index or concentration.
  • Digital Display: Shows the measurement results directly on a digital screen, often in numerical form.

Calibration Controls:

  • Zero Adjustment: Allows the user to set the refractometer to zero using a reference substance or distilled water.
  • Calibration Knob (Digital Models): Adjusts the instrument to ensure accurate readings.

Temperature Compensation:

  • Thermometer: GAO Tek’srefractometers have an integrated thermometer to measure the temperature of the sample.
  • Temperature Compensation System (Digital Models): Adjusts the refractive index measurement based on the temperature of the sample to provide accurate results.
  • Sample Well or Sample Stage:
    • Well Design:Holds the liquid sample securely in place for measurement.
  • Housing and Body:
    • Material: Often made of metal or durable plastic.
    • Ergonomic Design: Provides a comfortable grip for handheld models or a stable platform for benchtop models.
  • Power Source (Digital Models):
    • Batteries or External Power: Powers the electronic components in our digital refractometers.