Operation
74
Agilent 55B AA Spectrometer User’s Guide
Optimization
This section describes how to optimize the various components of the Agilent 55B
AA system, including the lamp, burner and flame signal.
Align lamps
Hollow cathode lamps
Install the lamp in the position designated in the method. The position number of
the lamp is located on the Instrument Parameters page. If you are developing a
new method, install the lamp and note the position. Ensure this position is defined
in the method for that element.
Align a hollow cathode lamp if:
you have just installed the lamp.
you need the best possible signal to noise ratio.
you are using a non-Agilent lamp.
you are using a position previously used for a non-Agilent lamp.
NOTE
Lamps are not used in Emission mode. Models that use this mode do not require
lamp alignment. Signal optimization is performed while aspirating the top/bulk
standard to carry out the wavelength peaking procedure.
To align a hollow cathode lamp:
1
Load a Method.
2
Ensure the required lamp is installed in the correct position. This is defined on
the Instrument Parameters page.
3
Turn on the lamp and allow approximately 15 minutes for the lamp to warm
up. If the lamp is not glowing, review the method and set the ‘Active lamp’ and
‘Active current’ on the Instrument Parameters page.
The Active lamp number can be found on the lamp holder and the Active
current is printed on the lamp.
4
Press the Optimize button and ensure nothing is in the optical path. The ‘HC
lamp’ option is selected automatically upon entering the page.
5
Maximize the signal: