PerkinElmer RamanMicro 200 Series, Getting Started Manual

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78 . RamanMicro 200 Series Getting Started Guide
Calibration and Performance Verification SOPs
Several different automated calibration tests are included in the software:
•
Wavelength (x-axis) calibration uses the position of precisely known lines in a neon
emission spectrum to calibrate the detector.
• Intensity (y-axis) calibration is performed using coated glass with a well characterized
emission spectrum. This is used to correct for non-linearity in detector response.
• Laser frequency determines the exact laser wavelength.
An additional wavelength calibration verification routine has been included in the software,
which compares a series of peaks for polystyrene (ASTM E 1840) with values collected using
a polystyrene sample. These calibration/verification tests allow for in-house instrument
performance verification.
Intensity calibration is only performed if the instrument has been moved, or as part of an
annual service, or following a service repair of the instrument or accessory, or if there have
been appreciable temperature variations in the local environment.
Backgrounds are always collected during a calibration procedure. The background measures
the bias and dark signal over the selected area of the CCD. This is a necessary part of the
calibration routines, so it is always performed.
The spectrometer has no moving parts in its detection system; therefore frequent calibration
is not necessary.
We recommend that you calibrate the instrument in accordance with the following SOPs.
SOP-9: Calibration/Performance Verification
We recommend that wavelength calibration verification is performed on a regular basis to
ensure that the instrument is performing within specification. This can be once a day or once
a week depending on your requirements and the laboratory environment.
When carrying out the calibration/verification procedures, the instrument laser power should
be set to 100% and the Data Interval to 4 cm
−1
or smaller.
On completion of the wavelength calibration verification, the results of the verification (or
calibration) procedure is displayed. A spectrum detailing the outcome of the verification
procedure is saved to the folder …\pel_data\config\Raman\Calibration Files\Logs with the
filename Calibration Report [Name of calibration][Date].sp
IMPORTANT: If the instrument passes the wavelength calibration verification procedure,
the instrument is optimized for performance and does not require wavelength calibration.