Diode Array UV-Visible Spectrometer Operating Instructions

*Be sure to consult a chemistry professor BEFORE operating this instrument.  The instrument is located in the department instrument room, S-202.

1. Turn on Optics Bench (on left).
2. Turn on Computer Hard-drive (center).
3. Turn on Printer (right).
4. After the computer goes through its diagnostics, select "General Scanning" <F1>.
5. Select "Range From 190 to 820" <F2>.
6. Enter desired Range values.  Example:  For the Importance of Being Green experiment, type
      300 <ENTER>
      750 <ENTER>
    to select the range from 300 to 750 nm.
7. Insert your blank (cuvette with solvent only) into the slot in the Optics Bench, secure it with the handle, and select "SCAN BLANK" <F8>.  The screen will show the result of the data collected.
8. Insert your sample (cuvette with sample) into the Optics Bench as done before.   Select "SCAN 1" <F1>. The screen will show the difference spectrum after subtracting out the background blank.   Be certain the Absorbance scale does not exceed +1.000 for the peaks of interest or you must dilute your sample and run it again by repeating steps 7 and 8.
9. Select "CURS" <F2>.  Use the left and right arrow keys on the right-hand side number pad to move the on-screen cursor to a peak maximum.  Note that the value is constantly updated and displayed when you move the cursor. 
10. Select "Mark 1" <F1> to store this peak's wavelength and absorbance value into memory.  Repeat steps 9 and 10 until all desired peaks have been recorded.
11. Select "DONE" <F10> to exit this peak selection mode.
12. Select "COPY" <F9> to print out the spectrum with tabulated peak data.
13. Select "EXIT" <F10> to return the instrument to "General Scanning" mode (step 4) for the next user.  If you are the last user, notify your chemistry professor so the instrument can be properly shut down.   The lamp in this instrument is VERY expensive ($500+) and must be conserved as much as possible.  THANKS!