Spectrophotometers reverse optics

Fig. 1 (A) Components of a typical UV-vis spectrophotometer (forward optics). (B) Components of a reverse optics spectrophotometer.

Reverse Optic Spectrophotometers-Photodiode Array Detectors... 

Measurement of Whiteness. The Ciba-Geigy Plastic White Scale is effective in the visual assessment of white effects (79), but the availabihty of this scale is limited. Most evaluations are carried out (ca 1993) by instmmental measurements, utilising the GIF chromaticity coordinates or the Hunter Uniform Color System (see Color). Spectrophotometers and colorimeters designed to measure fluorescent samples must have reversed optics, ie, the sample is illuminated by a polychromatic source and the reflected light passes through the analy2er to the detector. 

Rapid-scanning Spectrophotometers. These en loy multi-channel detectors. The most commonly encountered detector of diis t e is tlie linear photodiode array. The reversed-optics mode is employed, so that radiation is passed throu tiie sample or reference cell, tiien dispersed by a dif action grating polychiomator integrated intensity of radiation incident on it which is determined by tiie spectial dispersion photo ode ratio. If, for example, a 200-nm txmdwidtii of radiation were dispersed across 256 photodiodes, tiie nominal resolution per photodiode woitid be 0.78 nm. 

Very often baseline problems are related to detector problems. Many detectors are available for HPLC systems. The most common are fixed and variable wavelength ultraviolet spectrophotometers, refractive index, and conductivity detectors. Electrochemical and fluorescence detectors are less frequently used, as they are more selective. Detector problems fall into two categories electrical and mechanical/optical. The instrument manufacturer should correct electrical problems. Mechanical or optical problems can usually be traced to the flow cell however, improvements in detector cell technology have made them more durable and easier to use. Detector-related problems include leaks, air bubbles, and cell contamination. These usually produce spikes or baseline noise on the chromatograms or decreased sensitivity. Some cells, especially those used in refractive index detectors, are sensitive to flow and pressure variations. Flow rates or backpressures that exceed the manufacturer s recommendation will break the cell window. Old or defective source lamps, as well as incorrect detector rise time, gain, or attenuation settings will reduce sensitivity and peak height. Faulty or reversed cable connections can also be the source of problems. 

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