Analyzing Samples
52 Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer User’s Guide
2 Place a small amount of sample material on the bottom sample
mounting window (see Figure 16). The sample mounting window
is the 2 mm diameter yellow material held in place by the
surrounding metal disk.
Figure 16. Placing sample on the DialPath accessory sample mounting window
3 Ensure that the sample covers the entire surface area of the
sample mounting window.
In the case of a volatile sample, such as with fuels analysis, larger
amounts of sample can be applied without concern of leakage or
damage to the instrument; however, using the smallest amount of
sample possible will ease in the cleaning process.
Although it is safe to run a variety of liquid samples, including
aqueous solutions or even thick pastes such as grease, the
DialPath is not to be used with any solid or powder samples, such
as tablets. Using the DialPath with solid samples will damage the
ZnSe windows or modify the pre-set transmission pathlength.
CAUTION
The top and bottom windows are made from ZnSe. ZnSe can be damaged by
samples with a pH below 4 and above 9. Only measure samples with a pH
between 4 and 9.
4 Close the DialPath by rotating the arm clockwise until it clicks
into place.
5 For instructions on collecting a sample spectrum using the
software, refer to the Agilent MicroLab PC Software User’s Guide.