A High Pressure Optical Cell for Study of Biochemical Solutions

Abstract

This paper will describe the construction and use of an optical cell for spectrographic studies of biochemical solutions under pressures up to 4080 atm. Data from such studies of myoglobin will also be presented. The optical cell described incorporates the following design features: It is a monoblock configuration comprising both a pressure intensifier and an optical portion; the sample contacts only glass and paraffin; the cell interfaces easily with spectrophotometric equipment commonly used in biochemistry; it is relatively easy to operate and survives repeated use; it is constructed of a material not previously used for this application.