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52 . Spotlight 200 User's Guide
Preparing Samples
The Spotlight 200 enables you to examine the sample in the Camera View window to choose
the area where you want to collect images or spectra. To make sure that you collect good
quality spectra, it is important that you prepare samples properly. Sample preparation is
needed when the sample is too thick for transmission work, or the area of interest is on the
inside (for example in a laminated sample).
If you are going to collect transmission spectra, the sample should ideally be thin
•
enough (approximately 5 to 20 µm) to give good detail and undistorted absorption
bands.
•
The area of the sample must be large enough to give an adequate signal; otherwise,
the scan time must be increased.
Preparing a sample, therefore, often involves flattening it; this both thins it and increases its
area. The sample can be flattened by rolling, squeezing, or pressing.
This chapter tells you how to prepare samples for spectroscopy with the
Spotlight 200. It includes:
•
A list of useful tools;
•
A list of window materials commonly used for mounting samples;
•
Descriptions of special techniques used to prepare particular types of samples.
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