Sample Preparation - Horiba Scientific FluoroMax-4 Operation Manual

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

Sample preparation

using a sample or reagent.
The typical fluorescence or phosphorescence sample is a solution analyzed in a stand-
ard cuvette. The cuvette itself may contain materials that fluoresce. To prevent interfer-
ence, HORIBA Scientific recommends using non-fluorescing fused-silica cuvettes that
have been cleaned as described above.
Small-volume samples
If only a small sample-volume is available, and the intensity of the fluorescence signal
is sufficient, dilute the sample and analyze it in a 4-mL cuvette. If fluorescence is weak
or if trace elements are to be determined, HORIBA Scientific recommends a capillary
cell such as our 250-μL optional micro-sample capillary cell, which is specifically de-
signed for a small volume. A 1-mL cell (5 mm × 5 mm cross-section) is also available.
Solid samples
Solid samples usually are mounted in the J1933 Solid Sample Holder, with the fluores-
cence collected from the front surface of the sample. The mounting method depends on
the form of the sample. See the section on "Highly opaque samples" for more infor-
mation on sample arrangement in the sample compartment.
Thin films and cell monolayers on
coverslips can be placed in the holder
directly.
Minerals, crystals, vitamins, paint
chips, phosphors, and similar samples
usually are ground into a homogene-
ous powder. The powder is packed
into the depression of the Solid Sam-
ple Holder (see next page for dia-
gram). For very fine powder, or pow-
der that resists packing (and therefore
falls out when the holder is put into its vertical position), the powder can be held in
place with a thin quartz coverslip, or blended with potassium bromide for better co-
hesion.
A single small crystal or odd-shaped solid sample (e.g., contact lens, paper) can be
mounted with tape along its edges to the Solid Sample Holder. Be sure that the ex-
citation beam directly hits the sample. To keep the excitation beam focused on the
sample, it may be necessary to remove or change the thickness of the metal spacers
separating the clip from the block.
Caution:
Always read the Materials Safety Data Sheet before
Note:
Avoid thick coverslips,
because the excitation beam
may not hit the sample di-
rectly with a thick coverslip.
Microscope
useful, except that they are
not quartz, and do not trans-
mit UV light.
5-2
Optimizing Data
coverslips are