5: Optimizing Data; Cuvette Preparation - Horiba Scientific FluoroMax-4 Operation Manual

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

5: Optimizing Data

Spectra can be enhanced by optimization of data-acquisition. This chapter lists some
methods of optimizing sample preparation, spectrofluorometer setup, and data correc-
tion to get higher-quality data.

Cuvette preparation

1
Empty all contents from
the cuvettes.
2
Fully immerse
and soak the
cuvettes for 24 h
in 50% aqueous
nitric acid.
This cleans the cuvettes'
inner and outer
surfaces.
3
Rinse
with
de-ionized water.
4
Clean the cuvettes in the cleaning solution with
a clean cotton swab if needed.
Use Alconox
5
Rinse the cuvettes with de-ionized water.
6
Soak the cuvettes in concentrated nitric acid.
7
Rinse them with de-ionized water before use.
Warning:
substance. When using nitric acid, wear
safety goggles, face shield, and acid-
resistant gloves. Certain compounds, such
as glycerol, can form explosive materials
when mixed with nitric acid. Refer to the
Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
detailed information on nitric acid.
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or equivalent detergent as a cleaning solution.
Caution:
Soaking the cuvettes for a long period in
alkaline detergents such as Alconox
of the cuvette surface, which results in light-scattering
from the cuvettes.
5-1
Optimizing Data
Note:
Clean the sample
cells thoroughly before
use to minimize back-
ground contributions.
Nitric acid is a dangerous
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causes etching