Agilent InfinityLab LC Series VWD User Manual 110
8Test Functions
Wavelength Verification-Calibration
Wavelength Verification-Calibration
Wavelength calibration of the detector is done using the zero-order position and
656 nm emission line position of the deuterium lamp. The calibration procedure
involves two steps. First the grating is calibrated on the zero-order position. The
stepper-motor step position where the zero-order maximum is detected is stored
in the detector. Next, the grating is calibrated against the deuterium emission-line
at 656 nm, and the motor position at which the maximum occurs is stored in the
detector.
In addition to the zero-order and 656 nm (alpha-emission line) calibration, the
beta-emission line at 486 nm and the three holmium lines are used for the
complete wavelength calibration process. These holmium lines are at 360.8 nm,
418.5 nm and 536.4 nm.
When the lamp is turned ON, the 656 nm emission line position of the deuterium
lamp is checked automatically.
The Wavelength Verification/Calibration is available in Agilent Lab Advisor
(preferred tool).
When to Calibrate the Detector
The detector is calibrated at the factory, and under normal operating conditions
should not require recalibration. However, it is advisable to recalibrate:
• after maintenance (flow cell or lamp),
• after repair of components in the optical unit,
• after exchange of the optical unit or VWM board,
• at a regular interval, at least once per year (for example, prior to an
Operational Qualification/Performance Verification procedure), and
• when chromatographic results indicate the detector may require recalibration.
The wavelength verification/calibration takes about 2.5 min and is disabled
within the first 10 min after ignition of the lamp because initial drift may distort
the measurement.