Versatile thermoelectric devices for precise, rapid, or slow heating or cooling of samples: UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic applications

The design and construction of versatile, programmable, thermoelectric modu les that use a Peltier effect device to generate temperature -time profiles are described. In particular the construction of modules for use in NMR an d UV-Vis spectrometers is detailed. Performance tests are presented and sho w that this design has significant advantages over alternatives. Applicatio ns in the kinetic studies of gelation and of phase separation in aqueous mi xtures of biopolymers are highlighted.