Purchasing PicoPOL
PicoPOL-OLED and PicoPOL-PC systems are available exclusively through the Instruments4Chem eBay store. Current pricing and availability are listed on eBay, while detailed documentation and supporting information are provided here on the website.
The PicoPOL is supplied as a set of pre-built modules—source, detector, and controller (–OLED or –PC)—together with all mechanical components required to assemble the complete instrument. These have been professionally manufactured to ensure consistent dimensional accuracy and reliable alignment.
What is Supplied The system includes all essential components required for straightforward assembly:
Power Supply Requirement To support international use and avoid compatibility issues with regional mains standards and plug types, a power supply is not included. The instrument requires a standard 9 V DC regulated supply capable of at least 1 A. Connection to PicoPOL is via a 2.5 mm inner diameter DC barrel plug (tip positive) with a metal barrel length of at least 12 mm. Compatible plug packs are widely available.
Assembly and User Experience Assembly is straightforward and typically takes around 10–20 minutes. The use of pre-built modules removes the need for soldering or sourcing electronic components, allowing users to focus on the instrument itself rather than its construction. This approach retains many of the educational and practical benefits of a kit—providing insight into the instrument architecture—while significantly reducing complexity and build time.
Enclosure Design Transparency For those interested in the mechanical design, the PicoPOL .stl design files are available for download here. These allow users to examine the structure and layout of the optical bench and controller housing. There is no requirement to use or print these files—the supplied system includes professionally manufactured 3D-printed components with consistent dimensional accuracy and reliable fit.
Who is PicoPOL For? PicoPOL is designed for teaching laboratories, demonstrations, and independent experimentation. It is particularly well suited to users who value both performance and an understanding of how the instrument operates. While assembly is simple, users should be comfortable with basic mechanical assembly and careful handling of optical components.
Looking Ahead We aim to foster a user community around PicoPOL and other Instruments4Chem systems, where users can share experimental approaches, teaching ideas, and practical insights. This will grow alongside the release of additional instruments, all supported by detailed documentation and performance data.
Support For further information or assistance, please contact:
PicoPol@instruments4chem.com
The PicoPOL is supplied as a set of pre-built modules—source, detector, and controller (–OLED or –PC)—together with all mechanical components required to assemble the complete instrument. These have been professionally manufactured to ensure consistent dimensional accuracy and reliable alignment.
- Pre-built source and detector modules for the optical bench
- Pre-built controller module (RPi PICO-based)
- Fully programmed for both the –OLED and -PC versions
- Precision 3D-printed enclosure components (optical bench and controller housing)
- Laser-cut optical bench baseplate
- NEMA-11 stepper motor (in the detector module)
- Two custom polarizer disks (one in the source and the other in the detector module)
- A 2.8” OLED panel and IR remote (–OLED version)
- A polarimeter cell
- Interconnecting cables
- Complete assembly hardware
PicoPOL-OLED or PicoPOL-PC ?
PicoPOL systems consist of an optical bench and a Raspberry PIi PICO controller. The optical bench is identical in the two flavours of instrument. The standard configuration includes a 590 nm yellow LED; alternative source wavelengths may be available on request.
The PicoPol-OLED option is a polarimeter intended to be used as a stand-alone device, making it ideal for single-point optical rotation measurements. While kinetic runs can still be performed, users must manually log optical rotation vs. time data.
For detailed setup and measurement instructions specific to the PicoPol-OLED version, please refer to the OLED Controller page.
The PicoPol-PC option offers a cost-effective solution for connecting the polarimeter optical bench to a PC, enabling the logging of optical rotation data. The -PC version of the instrument is controlled via a free-to-use LabVIEW™ runtime executable running on your 64 bit Windows 11 PC.
For detailed setup and measurement instructions specific to the PicoPol-OLED version, please refer to the PC Controller page.
For further information or technical enquiries, contact : PicoPol@instruments4chem.com
The PicoPol-OLED option is a polarimeter intended to be used as a stand-alone device, making it ideal for single-point optical rotation measurements. While kinetic runs can still be performed, users must manually log optical rotation vs. time data.
For detailed setup and measurement instructions specific to the PicoPol-OLED version, please refer to the OLED Controller page.
The PicoPol-PC option offers a cost-effective solution for connecting the polarimeter optical bench to a PC, enabling the logging of optical rotation data. The -PC version of the instrument is controlled via a free-to-use LabVIEW™ runtime executable running on your 64 bit Windows 11 PC.
For detailed setup and measurement instructions specific to the PicoPol-OLED version, please refer to the PC Controller page.
For further information or technical enquiries, contact : PicoPol@instruments4chem.com
Sourcing Polarimeter Cells
A search of the internet reveals many suppliers of polarimeter cells. Cells offered by the manufacturers of high-end polarimeters are of the highest quality (in regards both dimensional tolerance and window perfection) but these are also generally the most expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars.
After testing a number of lower cost options, we have settled on the "Polarimeter Tube with Center Cup" shown opposite and sold by Glass Agencies. These cells are well made and in our experience they deliver good results and at a very reasonable price.
To enable you to get started, each PicoPol instrument kit is supplied with one cell, but if you require additional cells please order these directly from Glass Agencies.
After testing a number of lower cost options, we have settled on the "Polarimeter Tube with Center Cup" shown opposite and sold by Glass Agencies. These cells are well made and in our experience they deliver good results and at a very reasonable price.
To enable you to get started, each PicoPol instrument kit is supplied with one cell, but if you require additional cells please order these directly from Glass Agencies.
The Glass Agencies polarimeter cell (email : glassagencies@gmail.com). If ordering from this supplier be sure to request a stopper for the cell.
Should you wish to use your own polarimeter cell(s), different cell cradles may need to be 3D-printed to accomodate these. If this is your requirement email us at picopol@instruments4chem.com and we will provide advice and assistance.
Should you wish to use your own polarimeter cell(s), different cell cradles may need to be 3D-printed to accomodate these. If this is your requirement email us at picopol@instruments4chem.com and we will provide advice and assistance.
