When comparing China’s top laboratory spectrometer manufacturers, ask for test conditions, not just headline specifications. ASTM E275-08(2022) describes performance measures for ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers, including wavelength accuracy and spectral bandwidth. Resolution describes the ability to distinguish nearby spectral features; wavelength accuracy describes how closely reported wavelengths match known lines.
They are related, but not interchangeable. A narrow peak on a crowded spectrum makes the difference visible.
Signal-to-noise ratio needs its measurement wavelength, integration time, and averaging method. Otherwise, two figures may not be comparable. Detection limits also depend on the sample matrix and analytical method, not the instrument alone.
Eurachem’s 2014 guide, The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods, describes a common convention: estimate a detection threshold using the blank’s mean response plus three standard deviations, and a quantification threshold using ten. These are conventions, not universal guarantees.
Ask suppliers for raw calibration data, replicate measurements, and the conditions behind each quoted value. One comparison can still mislead. A high-resolution setting may also reduce signal, so the best specification is the one that fits the actual sample and workflow.