PerkinElmer Frontier IR, User Manual

Page: 25 / 104

An Overview of the Frontier IR Dual-Range Spectrometers . 25
The instrument is connected to a PC, either point-to-point or over a network. The Spectrum
software package supplied enables you to control the instrument and to manipulate the
spectra that you collect.
Configuration changes
Spectrum software enables you to initiate an automated changeover between, for example,
the MIR and NIR ranges, changing the source, detector, and beamsplitter. You can also
individually select any combination of these elements.
NOTE: If you change between the MIR and FIR ranges, the software will prompt you to
change the sample compartment windows. For information about changing windows,
see
Replacing the Frontier FT-IR/FT-FIR Sample Compartment Windows
on page 61.
•
When you change the source or detector, or swap between an external and internal
accessory, the infrared beam is redirected using the appropriate rotating mirror.
• Before you change to the MIR MCT detector, fit one of the attenuators supplied
(Attenuator Set – L1160560) to the window to the right of the sample compartment to
prevent the detector from overloading. If you have an open beam we recommend a
14%T attenuator. See
Replacing the Frontier FT-IR/FT-FIR Sample Compartment
Windows
on page 61 or
Installing/Replacing Beam Port and Sample Compartment
Windows
on page 85 for more information.
NOTE: If you have a Frontier FT-IR/FT-FIR spectrometer with an MCT detector and the
instrument was in the MIR range when it was switched off, we recommended that a
6%T attenuator is fitted to the sample compartment window before switching on the
instrument again, to prevent errors during the initialization of the FIR detector.
•
When you change the detector, allow it to equilibrate before scanning. The MCT
detector (if fitted) will not perform correctly until it has been sufficiently cooled using
liquid nitrogen.
• When you select the alternate beamsplitter, there is a pause while the element is
changed and initialized. The performance of the beamsplitter is temperature sensitive,
so there is also an equilibration period.
Optical system
The optical system is under the main cover of the instrument. Usually the main cover of the
instrument is closed, but to perform most maintenance tasks, the cover has to be open.
When you do this, a safety interlock automatically switches off the power. Nevertheless, the
instrument should be disconnected from the mains before opening the main cover for
maintenance.
Consistent, reliable performance is achieved by having few adjustable parts, and by
extensive insulation of the optical system from the effects of humidity and vibration.