Checking System Performance - Horiba Scientific FluoroMax-4 Operation Manual

® ®
FluoroMax -4 & FluoroMax -4P with USB rev. D (30 Jul 2012)

Checking system performance

Introduction
Upon installation and as part of routine maintenance checks, examine the performance
of the FluoroMax
before each day of use with the system. Scans of the xenon-lamp output and the Ra-
man-scatter band of water are sufficient to verify system calibration, repeatability, and
throughput.
Calibration is the procedure whereby the drive of each monochromator is refer-
enced to a known spectral feature. One verifies the excitation and emission mono-
chromators' calibration at a particular wavelength in this step.
Repeatability is the ability of the system to produce consistent spectra.
Throughput is the amount of signal passing through and detected by the system.
The throughput is correlated to the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity of the sys-
tem.
The FluoroMax
tializes its monochromators' drives, locates the home position of the each drive, and as-
signs a wavelength value to this position from a calibration file. While the system usu-
ally maintains calibration by this method, it is wise to check the calibration prior to the
day's session with the instrument. For the calibration checks detailed here, a single-
sample mount or automated sample changer should be the only sample-compartment
accessories used.
The scans shown herein are examples. A Performance Test Report for your new in-
strument is included with the documentation. Use the Performance Test Report to vali-
date the spectral shape and relative intensity taken during the calibration checks.
Note:
bration. To be sure that your instrument is properly calibrated, call
Fluorescence Service for assistance. We can arrange a visit and cali-
brate your instrument for a fee.
®
-4. HORIBA Scientific recommends checking the system calibration
®
-4 is an autocalibrating spectrofluorometer. This means the system ini-
HORIBA Scientific is not responsible for customer errors in cali-
3-3
System Operation