Optimizing hardware
PlasmaQuant MS product family
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6
Optimizing hardware
There is a difference between Hardware Optimization and Method Optimization. The
information contained in the following section refers to parameters required to make
the PlasmaQuant MS run at peak efficiency. These parameters are independent of any
specific analytical method and are referred to as Hardware Optimization.
Section 7 refers to individual worksheets created to run a particular analysis/sample
matrix, which may differ from the general optimization created for Hardware
Optimization.
The following optimization routines are available:
Torch alignment
Mass calibration
Peak resolution and trim
Detector voltage
Detector attenuation
All of these hardware optimization routines are carried out from the various tabs of
the I
NSTRUMENT
window. They all use the same default worksheet (except for Detector
Attenuation) and require the PlasmaQuant MS tuning solution. All of these functions
must be calibrated in order for the instrument to operate properly.
The optimization routines are to be repeated on a regular basis, especially after
maintenance has been done (see section "Maintenance intervals" p. 97). It is
important that the instrument be running (scanning) for at least 15 minutes so it is
fully warmed up before doing any of these optimizations.
In order to ensure proper function and effective analysis, you must:
Calibrate the hardware (section 6)
Optimize worksheet settings (section 7)
Because hardware calibration requires worksheets and worksheet optimization
requires calibrated hardware, it can be confusing to know where to begin. The key
thing to remember is that during set up, as long as there is enough signal for the
automated operations to function, the instrument does not need to be at optimal
performance.
The instrument software contains several default worksheets for instrument set-up. In
addition, specific conditions used for the instrument during final testing are included in
the shipping documents. The service engineer of Analytik Jena will have started with
these settings to test and install your instrument, and may possibly have modified
them further for best performance. Use these default worksheets to calibrate the
hardware.
After you have the hardware calibrations done, you can then optimize your worksheet
settings for the best analytical performance.