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Thermo Electron Nicolet 380 User Manual

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  • Page 2 The information in this publication is provided for reference only. All information contained in this publication is believed to be correct and complete. Thermo Electron Corporation shall not be liable for errors contained herein nor for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material. All product specifications, as well as the information contained in this publication, are subject to change without notice.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Welcome!...................1 Questions or concerns..............2 About this manual................2 Accessing on-line information.............4 Wizards and tutorials .............4 If you are using EZ OMNIC..........11 Your First Experiment ..............13 Powering up ................14 Checking purge ..............14 Checking the desiccant ............16 Turning on components ............17 Starting OMNIC ..............19 Stand-by and rest modes ............20 Installing a standard sample holder ...........21...
  • Page 4 Using Other Features of OMNIC............ 37 Converting a spectrum’s units ..........37 Using the tool palette ..............39 Annotating spectra ..............39 Using libraries................41 Spectral searching ............... 41 Comparing spectra for quality control ........ 42 Browsing scrapbook libraries ..........46 Creating a user library............
  • Page 5 Quick Answers to The Questions About Using OMNIC ....67 Collecting spectra ..............67 Converting spectra to other units ..........71 Using spectral libraries ..............73 Opening, saving and deleting spectra ........78 Reports and printing..............80 Displaying spectra ..............81 Using spectral math ..............86 Customizing OMNIC..............87 Other questions ................88 Quick Answers to The Questions About Using the Spectrometer...90 Maintenance and Service ..............94...

  • Page 7: Welcome

    Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of a Nicolet™ 380 spectrometer from Thermo Electron! The Nicolet spectrometer system integrates advanced hardware features with the power and flexibility of Thermo Electron’s OMNIC™ or EZ OMNIC spectroscopy software. If you have not used the spectrometer before, view the “Spectrometer Tour”...

  • Page 8: Questions Or Concerns

    If you have questions or concerns about safety or need or concerns assistance with operation, repairs or replacement parts, use the information below to contact Thermo Electron. Outside the U.S.A., contact the local Thermo Electron sales or service representative. Phone: 1 800 642 6538 (U.S.A.) or...
  • Page 9 ▲ Danger Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. ▲ (The symbol signifies the end of the information message.) ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 10: Accessing On-Line Information

    ● testing communications between the computer and the ● spectrometer aligning the instrument ● collecting a spectrum using a standard sample, and ● comparing the data to confirm that the spectrometer is operating. ● Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 11 OMNIC window, using the toolbar and tool palette, creating and using spectral libraries, creating your own experiment files, and using on-line laboratory notebooks to create and save reports. (The notebook and report features are not available in EZ OMNIC.) Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Spectrometer Tour — When you finish this tutorial, you will be familiar with the major components in the spectrometer. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 13 Smart Accessories. Learning OMNIC — The learning OMNIC help menu item gives you access to tutorials that explain how to use OMNIC to collect spectra and perform a number of other software operations. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 14 If you ever have a problem with the spectrometer, use this tutorial to access troubleshooting information and get part number and ordering information. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 15 Technical Support — The technical support tutorial outlines the many support, training, and custom application services available from Thermo Electron. It includes Technical Support telephone and fax numbers, as well as e-mail and web site addresses. Library Creation Wizard — The library creation wizard prompts you, step-by-step, through creating a user library of spectra.
  • Page 16 OMNIC Help Topics — The OMNIC on-line Help system lets you quickly find answers to your questions about using the software. If a dialog box or window contains a Help button, click it to see ● information about the dialog box or window. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 17: If You Are Using Ez Omnic

    Toolbar display — The toolbar is always displayed. It provides a convenient way to initiate menu commands, macros and external programs. For more information about the toolbar, find “toolbar” in the OMNIC Help system Index and go to the “Displaying and using a toolbar” topic. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 18 Library appears in the Analyze menu to allow you to view the contents of a library. For more information, find “library” in the OMNIC Help system Index and go to the “How to view a library in EZ OMNIC” topic. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 19: Your First Experiment

    The Spectrometer Safety Guide that came with the system contains important safety information. This guide is available in several languages. Contact your local Thermo Electron office for information about the languages that are available. Before you use the system, read the entire guide. To prevent personal injury and damage to equipment, follow the safety precautions contained in the guide whenever you use the system.

  • Page 20: Powering Up

    Important Flow rates greater than 15 scfh cause vibrations that can affect data quality. Thermo Electron recommends keeping the flow rate at approximately 15 scfh. ▲ If you need to adjust the flow rate, or if your application requires a different flow rate, follow the instructions in “Setting the purge gas...
  • Page 21 Spectrometer Help Topics contains step-by-step information about installing purge equipment and setting the controls for the first time. It also contains information about inspecting and replacing the purge filter. The Spectrometer Tour (available through Getting Started) contains additional information about using purge. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 22: Checking The Desiccant

    Rely on the indicator only when the spectrometer is in storage. See “Ordering parts” in Spectrometer Help Topics to find the part number for ordering desiccant bags. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 23: Turning On Components

    Spectrometer Safety Guide that came with the system whenever you use the spectrometer. ▲ 3. Turn on the spectrometer by pressing the power switch (labeled I/O) to the on position. Important Never block the cooling vents. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 24 When the routines are finished, the Power indicator stays lit. You can start the spectroscopy software (OMNIC, EZ OMNIC or other Thermo Electron software) as soon as the diagnostic routines finish. Power Scan...

  • Page 25: Starting Omnic

    Type the requested information and then choose OK. The OMNIC window appears. This window is described in the next section and in the “Getting Started With OMNIC” tutorial available through Getting Started in the Help menu. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 26: Stand-By And Rest Modes

    Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and therefore potentially hazardous. Avoid contact with skin. Wear protective clothing eyewear and follow standard laboratory safety practices to prevent injury. Use an appropriate laboratory dewar to transport liquid nitrogen to the spectrometer. ▲ Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 27: Installing A Standard Sample Holder

    If you are using separate Snap-In ™ sample compartment baseplates for different accessories and sample holders, you can quickly switch baseplates to install the sample holder. For information about using Snap-In baseplates, view “Removing the Snap-In baseplate” in Spectrometer Help Topics. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 28: Collecting A Spectrum

    You can also learn how to collect spectra by viewing the “Collecting a Spectrum” tutorial, available through Learning OMNIC in the Help menu. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 29 OMNIC collects background and sample spectra. For example, in the experiment you selected, the Collect Background Before Every Sample option is selected. This option prompts you to collect a background before collecting the sample spectrum. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 30 As an alternative, you could click the Collect Sample button in the OMNIC toolbar or select Collect Sample from the Collect menu. The Collect Sample window appears and then a dialog box showing the default title for the sample spectrum. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 31 For a transmission experiment this means that you need to remove any accessories (other than a standard sample holder) and samples from the sample compartment, as explained in the next steps. A sample might be installed in the transmission sample holder... Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 32 If the spectrometer purged, allow 1 minute for the purge to reach equilibrium before going to the next step. If you find that carbon dioxide and water vapor interfere with spectra you collect in the future, wait 3 to 5 minutes. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 33 9. Install the thin film polystyrene sample labeled “Secondary Polystyrene Standard: 1.5 mil Polystyrene” through the sliding door. If the spectrometer purged, allow 1 minute for the purge to reach equilibrium before continuing to the next step. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 34 The progress of the collection is indicated by the gauge below the spectrum. The number of scans collected so far and the total number of scans for the collection are displayed to the right of the gauge. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 35 Sample window, allowing you to collect more scans with the More button. Choosing View Collect Status would display information about the collection, including any problems that occurred. Here is an example of a sample spectrum displayed in the spectral window: Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 36: How Do I Know If My Spectrum Is Good

    (a measured value was not within the allowed range), but it is not serious enough to stop the collection. If the indicator is a red X, there is a problem with the quality of the spectrum. After correcting the problem, collect the spectrum again. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 37: Saving The Spectrum

    4. Choose OK. If you typed a filename that already exists in the directory, a message appears asking whether to replace the existing file. Choose No and then use a different filename to save the spectrum. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Software Basics

    OMNIC spectroscopy software package. If you are using a different package, see the documentation that accompanied that package. The OMNIC window The large window that appears on the screen when you start OMNIC is called the OMNIC window. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 39: Spectral Window

    You can see the parameter settings for the selected experiment by using Experiment Setup, available in the toolbar or in the Collect menu. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 40: Bench Status Indicator

    To initiate the command or feature, click the button with the left mouse button. In OMNIC Help Topics find “toolbar” in the Index and go to “Displaying and using a toolbar” for information on using and customizing the toolbar buttons. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 41: Selecting An Experiment

    “ratioing”—removes the effects caused by the instrument and atmospheric conditions so that the peaks in the final spectrum are due solely to the sample. Here is a typical mid-IR background spectrum: Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 42 For information about using Snap-In baseplates, choose Replacing Parts from the Help menu and then view “Changing the Snap-In baseplate” in “Installing optional hardware.” Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 43: Using Other Features Of Omnic

    2. If the spectrum is in absorbance, click the % Transmittance button on the toolbar. If the spectrum is in % transmittance, click the Absorbance button instead. You can also choose % Transmittance or Absorbance from the Process menu. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 44 “converting spectrum” in the Index and go to the topic that deals with the units you are interested in. Before going to the next section, convert the spectrum to absorbance so that it is ready for you to learn how to label a peak. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 45: Using The Tool Palette

    This displays the label text above the peak with a line connecting the label to the peak. The text is selected so that you can immediately edit it. When you press Enter, the label appears in its final form. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 46 Enter. To delete an existing label, click it and then press the Delete key. In OMNIC Help Topics find “tool, annotation” in the Index and go to “Annotation tool” for more information on the annotation tool. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 47: Using Libraries

    In OMNIC Help Topics find “library, searching” in the Index and go to the “Searching a spectral library” topic if you want more information about identifying sample spectra with search libraries. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Comparing Spectra For Quality Control

    QC library with as few as one reference spectrum in each compound type. In OMNIC Help Topics find “QC comparison” in the Index and go to the “Performing a QC comparison” topic for more information about QC comparisons. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 49 The Library Setup dialog box appears with the Search Libraries tab displayed. The Library Directories box lists the directories that are currently being used for spectral searches and QC comparisons. All the libraries in the listed directories are available for the QC comparison. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 50 4. Click the QC Libraries tab to display the available QC libraries. The available QC libraries appear in the Available QC Libraries And Groups box. The libraries listed in the QC Libraries And Groups box are the libraries with which the spectrum will be compared. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 51 When the comparison is finished, the sample spectrum and the library spectrum that best matches it are displayed in panes in the upper portion of the window. Comments about the comparison appear in the lower portion of the window. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 52: Browsing Scrapbook Libraries

    If you are using OMNIC, start the Library Creation Wizard by choosing Library Manager from the Analyze menu and then clicking the Create Library button on the Library Names tab. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 53: Adding A Spectrum To A User Library

    Learning OMNIC in the Help menu) to learn how to create and print reports and add them to report notebooks. 1. Choose Template from the Report menu. A dialog box appears allowing you to select a report template for the report. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 54 Save the template with a new name after you make your changes. In OMNIC Help Topics find “report template, selecting” in the Index and go to “Selecting, editing or creating a report template” for more information on using reports. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 55 5. If you have a printer connected to the computer, choose Print to print the report. The Print dialog box appears allowing you to set some parameters that affect printing. 6. Choose OK. The report is printed. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 56: Spectrometer Basics

    The following illustrations show spectrometer from the front, with Major components different options installed. Desiccant access cover Status indicators Sample compartment sliding door Humidity indicator Sample compartment Detector fill port ver (optional) (optional) Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 57: What's Inside

    The illustration below shows a top view of the optical layout of the spectrometer with covers removed to reveal components. Electronics Optional Automated Source Interferometer aperture module source Laser Source mirror utomated Detector xternal beam mirror (optional) Detector mirror Validation Sample wheel mirror Sample Beam (optional) compartment path Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 58: What Is On The Rear Panel

    See the “Spectrometer Tour” tutorial for complete descriptions of the components on the rear panel. Important Never block the cooling vents. The electronics module inside the spectrometer could overheat if the vents are blocked. ▲ Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 59: More About The Spectrometer

    “Energy screens” in the “Installing new hardware” book in Spectrometer Help Topics. The spectrometer is available in several source-beamsplitter-detector configurations. There are two main considerations when selecting a configuration: compatibility and spectral range. The following table lists the spectral ranges of compatible component combinations. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 60: Improving The Quality Of Spectral Data

    This prevents the signals containing spectral information from being lost among the signals generated by the random movement of electrons, building vibrations, light source fluctuations and other such sources. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 61: Improving The Signal-To-Noise Ratio

    As a rule of thumb, the distance from 0 to the baseline should be less than 1% of the spectrum’s maximum intensity value. If the detector is saturated, you will see false energy in the low-end region. The baseline might be far above zero. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 62 Note If the distance from the baseline to 0 is greater than 20% of the spectrum’s maximum intensity value, the detector electronics may be overloaded. Contact Thermo Electron Technical Support for assistance. ▲ The distorted signal may cause problems with photometric accuracy.

  • Page 63: Using Energy Screens

    “heavier” screen (one that transmits less infrared energy). With corrections for photometric accuracy you will notice some reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio but will obtain more reliable quantitative data. Generally, the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced less than is the signal intensity. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 64: About The Moving Mirror Velocity

    22.1 cm 73 mm (8.7 in) (2.9 in) 141 mm (4.8 in) 49 mm 31.5 cm (1.9 in) (12.4 in) 15.5 cm (6.1 in) Typical DC power pack and vehicle battery adapter Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 65 It also contains information about the safe operating environment for a DC powered spectrometer. Note The power pack accessory is not available outside the U.S.A. ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 66: Accessories

    The technique is also useful when the sample, usually a powder, must be analyzed without modification. This accessory lets you analyze a wide variety of sample types and features integral sample cups for convenient, fast sampling. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 67 Smart MIRacle™ — This is a single-reflection horizontal ATR accessory with exceptional throughput and sensitivity. It can use several crystal types and has a micrometer screw for precise control of applied pressure. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 68 Smart SAGA™ — This advanced accessory is designed for the analysis of thin films on reflective substrates. The 80 degree angle of incidence for this reflection-absorption accessory allows sensitive measurements of films as thin as 0.1 nm. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 69: Other Sampling Accessories

    Additional Snap-In sample compartment baseplates are available for use with each accessory to make changing accessories easier. ▲ Call Thermo Electron if you are interested in ordering any of the following sampling accessories. Automated external beam mirror — If you have a microscope or other accessory with an external detector, this option is required.
  • Page 70 Infrared microscopes — Thermo Electron offers microscopes that attach directly to the right side of the spectrometer. Microscopes can be installed between the spectrometer and other accessory modules.

  • Page 71: System Accessories

    Technology (NIST). An optional calibrated sample from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is also available. System accessories Some system accessories are installed by Thermo Electron. Call us if you are interested in ordering any of the following accessories. Automated external beam mirror — This option lets you...
  • Page 72 Pure air generator — Thermo Electron offers a complete dry-air generation system. It includes an air compressor, a dryer, prefilters, a final filter/moisture indicator, and flow controls. If you have difficulty controlling moisture in your laboratory, the pure air generator provides additional protection for the hygroscopic elements of the spectrometer.

  • Page 73: Quick Answers To The Questions About Using Omnic

    For more information about setting up the software for collecting spectra, see the Collecting a Spectrum tutorial (available through Learning OMNIC). In OMNIC Help Topics find “experiment” in the Index and go to “Selecting an experiment” or “Using Experiment Setup.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 74 For more information about setting up the software for collecting spectra, see the Collecting a Spectrum tutorial (available through Learning OMNIC). In OMNIC Help Topics find “units” in the Index and go to “Selecting the final format.” Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 75 In OMNIC Help Topics find “spectrum” in the Index and go to “Collecting a sample spectrum.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 76 When a collected spectrum passes all of the selected quality checks, the Collect Status indicator appears as a green check mark. In OMNIC Help Topics find “quality checks” in the Index and go to “Quality checks.” Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 77: Converting Spectra To Other Units

    Which Y-axis unit should I use for a spectrum? spectra to The most commonly used units are % transmittance and absorbance, other units but other units are available. The table that follows lists the units available and common uses for each. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 78 % transmittance.” Find “Kubelka-Munk units” and go to “Kubelka-Munk units.” Find “photoacoustic units” and go to “Photoacoustic units” topic. Find “reflectance (%)” and go to “% Reflectance units.” Find “log (1/R) units” and go to “Log (1/R) units.” Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 79: Using Spectral Libraries

    How should I prepare my spectrum before searching it against a spectral library? There are several corrections you can perform on a spectrum to obtain the best search results. The table that follows lists the corrections available and common uses for each. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 80 Correcting spectra collected usingATR (attenuated total reflection) for variation in the depth of penetration. When completed, the spectra may be searched against a library of transmission spectra. Other Corrections Removing water or carbon dioxide peaks from spectra. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 81 If you create a scrapbook library, you can find spectra in it by searching for text (but not by spectral searching). When you create a library, you determine the kinds of information that will be saved with it. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 82 EZ OMNIC.” You can use the extended search feature (available on the Extended Search tab of the Library Setup dialog box) to find library spectra by searching for text in any field included in the library. For example, Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 83 You will be able to display the list of matches to see their match values and index numbers. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 84: Opening, Saving And Deleting Spectra

    (not available in EZ OMNIC). You can also place spectra in descriptively named user libraries that you create. Keeping spectra in libraries allows you to find them by searching for text contained in the information saved with the spectra. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 85 Control key. Spectral groups are saved with the extension .SPG. In OMNIC Help Topics find “saving, spectra” in the Index and go to “Saving a group of spectra.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 86: Reports And Printing

    EZ OMNIC). First use Template to select, edit or create a template for the report. Then use Preview/Print Report to view the report as it will appear on paper. Click the Print button to print the report. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 87: Displaying Spectra

    After selecting the first spectrum by clicking it, hold down the Control key while you click each additional spectrum. You can also choose Select All from the Edit menu to select all the spectra in the window that are not hidden. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 88 Options dialog box, available through the Edit menu) affect all the new spectral windows that you create. After you create a new spectral window, you can change the way spectra are displayed in it by using Display Setup in the View menu. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 89 In the OMNIC Help Topics Index... For information on Common, Full Scale, Automatic Full Scale, Match Scale, and and Offset Scale, find “spectra.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 90 Copy or Cut in the Edit menu and then paste it into another spectral window using Paste. In OMNIC Help Topics find “spectrum” in the Index and go to “Selection tool,” or find “pasting, spectrum” and go to “Pasting items.” Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 91 The corrected (measured above the baseline) and uncorrected area values appear in the readout above the palette. In OMNIC Help Topics find “area” in the Index and go to “Peak area tool.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 92: Using Spectral Math

    Separating components from a sample that is a mixture. ● Identifying an unknown contaminant by eliminating the known ● material. Ensuring quality by subtracting an original batch sample ● spectrum from a spectrum from the next batch. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 93: Customizing Omnic

    Edit Menu and Edit Toolbar in the Edit menu. Use Save Configuration As in the File menu to save the customized settings in a configuration file. You can then open the file later to reset OMNIC to your preferences in one step. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 94: Other Questions

    In OMNIC Help Topics find “task window” in the Index and go to “Task windows.” How can I select a spectral region for an operation? Use the region tool to drag across the region in the pane. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 95 (this is the file format with the most flexibility for pasting into other programs). You can then paste the spectrum into a document by using a word processing program. In OMNIC Help Topics find “copying, spectrum” in the Index and go to “Copying items.” Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 96: Quick Answers To The Questions About Using The Spectrometer

    If you wish to use a bandwidth-limiting filter, you must supply your own. In Spectrometer Help Topics find ““Optical filters” in “Installing new hardware” help book Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 97 Note We recommend that you leave the power on continuously, but if you do need to turn it off, allow the spectrometer to warm up for one hour and then align it before collecting spectra. ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 98 You should check the indicator every two months, more often if your laboratory is not air conditioned or the spectrometer is in a humid environment. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 99 In OMNIC Help Topics find “diagnostics” in the Index and go to “Checking bench components.” How do I replace parts in the spectrometer? Spectrometer Help Topics (available through the OMNIC Help menu) contains complete instructions for maintaining and/or repairing all user replacable parts. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 100: Maintenance And Service

    If you are unfamiliar with the minimum computer hardware and software requirements for the system, see the manual entitled Computer Requirements. Contact technical support if you have further questions or wish information about supported computer upgrades. Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 101 You will be powering off and restarting the computer during the remainder of this procedure. Having a paper copy of all the manuals will simplify the installation. Pay attention to any Display or other Control Panel setting requirements. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 102 10. Shutdown and power off the computer and install the USB 2.0 port add-on card. 11. Power on the computer and verify that all of the add-on cards (video capture, serial port, and USB 2.0 port) have been recognized by the operating system and are working properly. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 103: Running Diagnostic Tests

    5. When you are finished viewing the information, choose OK. Note OMNIC continuously monitors the operation of the spectrometer hardware and shows its status with the Bench Status indicator below the menu bar of the OMNIC window. ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...

  • Page 104: Advanced Diagnostics

    Diagnostics. This gives you access to advanced features of the software, including the performance test, that are not available if you run the diagnostics from OMNIC. 3. Follow the directions that appear on the screen to run the diagnostic tests. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 105: Maintaining The Spectrometer

    Note If you have just turned on or moved the spectrometer, wait 15 minutes (one hour for best results) before you align it so that it will have time to stabilize. ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 106 Max and Min above the live display. The interferogram location will be shown next to Location (unless Single Beam is selected on the Bench tab). 6. When the alignment is finished, close the Experiment Setup dialog box. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 107: Aligning An Accessory

    “sample” spectrum with no sample in place. The result is a “100% line,” a display of system noise that appears as a generally flat line at 100% transmittance. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 101...
  • Page 108 ▲ If special performance tests are available for the spectrometer, a button labeled “Extended Tests” (or another appropriate name) will appear. Click this button and follow the instructions that appear on the screen to perform the tests. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 109: Checking Purge

    “Using your spectrometer” book and “Checking and changing the purge gas filter” in the “Maintaining your spectrometer” book for information about how to install the purge equipment, set the controls for the first time, and inspect and clean the purge filter. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 103...

  • Page 110: Servicing The Spectrometer

    If the source, laser module, electronics module or power supply must be replaced, refer to the replacement parts list made available when you choose Spectrometer Help Topics from the Help menu. Call Thermo Electron or visit our website to order the replacement assembly. Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 111: Troubleshooting Software Problems

    Quant Setup in the Analyze menu. No spectrum is selected. Select a single spectrum. The quantitative analysis method is Select an appropriate method for not appropriate for the selected the selected spectrum. spectrum. continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 105...
  • Page 112 Use the Add Directory button on version of OMNIC are not listed directories listed in the dialog box the Search Libraries tab to add in the Library Setup dialog box. (typically LIBS within the OMNIC the directory. directory). Thermo Electron Corporation...

  • Page 113: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems

    If these suggestions do not solve the problem, call technical support. Warning Always follow the safety precautions included in this manual and in the Spectrometer Safety Guide when performing any of the following troubleshooting procedures. ▲ Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 107...
  • Page 114 Make sure that the computer communicating with the USB 2.0 port is operating spectrometer is not operating correctly. Use the instructions correctly. that came with the computer. A component has failed. Contact Thermo Electron for service. continued… Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 115 30 cm (12 in) of clearance behind Setup dialog box.) the spectrometer and 64 cm (25 in) of clearance above the table. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 16° and 27°C (60° and 80°F) continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 109...
  • Page 116 Check to see if the source element is glowing evenly. Order (The Scan indicator may flash a replacement source if needed. intermittently and the spectrometer alignment may fail.) The beam path is obstructed. Remove the obstruction. continued… Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 117 Problem Possible Cause Solution The signal intensity is low, The sample compartment KBr Call Thermo Electron to have the continued… windows are fogged. windows replaced. The beamsplitter is fogged. Check the laser signals by clicking the laser indicator on the Diagnostic tab of the Experiment Setup dialog box.
  • Page 118 DTGS detector, set Aperture to 100. A sampling accessory is not Make sure the accessory is installed properly or is not aligned. installed correctly and, if necessary, align it. See the instructions that came with the accessory. continued… Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 119 1024 ± 16 data points on interferogram is still not located the Bench tab of the Experiment correctly, call Thermo Electron Setup dialog box. for service. The beam path is obstructed. Remove the obstruction. continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 113...
  • Page 120 You encounter problems when The detector cable is loose at the Check and tighten the cables. selecting an external detector in a accessory connector (on the rear of microscope. spectrometer or on the back wall of the sample compartment). continued… Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 121 Electron to have the electronics module replaced. If the laser voltage or current is outside the specified range, replace the laser. View “Replacing the laser” in the “Servicing your spectrometer” book in Spectrometer Help Topics for instructions. continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 115...
  • Page 122 Verify that the ambient temperature is between 16° and 27°C (60° and 80°F). A component has failed. Call Thermo Electron for service. The baseline is not stable. The purge flow rate is too high. Lower the flow rate until the baseline is stable.

  • Page 123: Troubleshooting Applications Problems

    Brewster’s angle. (Do sample when it is placed not use this method if you are perpendicular to the beam. performing a quantitative analysis of sample.) continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 11 7...
  • Page 124 The spectrometer is not purged. Install an appropriate purge gas source and optional purge kit. Contact Thermo Electron for details. The spectrometer is purged but the Replace the air dryer with one air dryer does not remove carbon that removes carbon dioxide, or dioxide.
  • Page 125 Other Corrections in the Process reflection component. menu. (Select Kramers-Kronig.) The infrared beam was reflected Try using a less reflective from (instead of penetrating) a flat, sample. shiny sample measured using a specular reflection accessory. continued… Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 119...
  • Page 126 0.7 and 1.4 bar (70 and 140 kPa, or 10 and 20 psig). Check the flowmeter; it should read 15 scfh (about 0.4 m /hr). Adjust the flow rate if necessary. continued… Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 127 Experiment Setup dialog box to a lower value. The sample in an ATR experiment is Reapply the sample to obtain not in good contact with the ATR more consistent contact between crystal. the sample and the ATR crystal. Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 121...

  • Page 128: Index

    60 using with Shift key, 40 annotation, 39 view collect status, 31 aperture, 52 argon, 104 ATR, 61, 62, 63 caution, 3 gain, 102 Collect Status, 71 ATR corrections, 75 collect status indicator, 30 Autogain, 101 Nicolet 380 User’s Guide...
  • Page 129 94, 98, 103, 105 filters, 57, 91 diffuse reflection, 61, 120 flammable gas, 104 gain, 102 flammable gases, 14 display parameters, 83 flow meter, 67 DTGS, 55, 59 fogged, 112 DTGS-CsI, 55 full scale, 84 dust, 60 Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 123...
  • Page 130 71 preventing burns from, 54 interferometer, 52, 59 linearity, 56 internet, 2 liquid analysis, 65 IUPAC, 55 liquid nirtogen, 20 log (1/R), 73 KBr, 55 Kramers-Kronig, 75, 120 Kubelka-Munk, 73 magnetic fields, 60 maintenance, 95 desiccant, 16 Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 131 41 power Library Manager, 77 input connector, 53 menus, 33 leaving on, 14 operation monitoring, 108 power pack, 59 printing, 47 pressure regulator, 67 quality checks, 71 printing, 47, 81 reports, 47 saving spectra, 31 Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 125...
  • Page 132 81 creating a permanent record, 79 print preview, 82 data is not displayed, 110 printing, 81 deleting, 81 reports derivative-shaped peaks, 120 previewing, 49 displaying, 82 Roll/Zoom, 85 displaying collection and processing data, 90 .RPT, 47 Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 133 87 overheating, 53, 110, 114, 117 water peaks, 119 power on, 17 X- Y- axis values, 86 powering off, 94 zooming in, 85 rear panel, 53 spectral range, 55 replacing parts, 94, 105 Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 127...
  • Page 134 TGA, 66 window thermogravimetric analysis, 66 OMNIC, 32 tool palette spectral, 33 annotation tool, 39 Window options, 83 readout, 39 wizards, 4, 46, 78 toolbar, 34 workspace, 60 changing, 12 World Wide Web, 2 transmission, 63, 66 Thermo Electron Corporation...
  • Page 135 Y-axis, 37, 69, 72, 84 X-axis, 55 XT KBr, 55 zoom, 85 Nicolet 380 User’s Guide 129...

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