Agilent Technologies 4500 Series Operation Manual page 31

In the sample analysis mode, the ATR sample press is lowered such
that the sample press tip is in contact with the sample. In this
position, contact is made between the sample and the IR energy
emitting from the diamond ATR window (see Figure 8).
If the sample is a liquid or paste, the sample press does not need to be used at
NOTE
all. In this case, you are now ready to proceed with the analysis. Only liquid or
paste samples should be used with the triple reflection ATR accessory.
Figure 8. Sample press lowered for analysis
When in the sample analysis mode, the ATR sample pathlength is
fixed based on the number of reflections in the ATR. The alignment
of the accessory is also pre-set at the factory and so there is no
optical or mechanical adjustment required.
The steps involved with analyzing a sample with the 4500a FTIR and
an ATR are:
1
2
3
Agilent 4500 Series FTIR Operation Manual
Clean the ATR sample mounting window.
Collect a background spectrum.
Collect a sample spectrum.
Analyzing Samples
31