How to Troubleshoot the 1600 Series FTIR

The Perkin Elmer 1600 FTIR is a single-beam, scanning Michelson interferometer complete with computer, software and microscope. It is a standard FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) device that also comes with a microprocessor, keyboard and CRT display. UV light passes through samples and provides information about the samples' ability to absorb the UV light. Common issues with this interferometer include no signal, low signal and an inaccurate baseline readings.

Things You'll Need

• Material sample
• Absolute isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Cotton swab
• Lens paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the sample peaks in relation to the baseline reading. If you cannot read the baseline at all, the 1600 FTIR is not providing a signal. Open the sample compartment and make sure the sample is properly touching the surface of the compartment. The sample should be secure and in firm contact with the compartment.

• 2

  Make sure the laser inside the FTIR is properly aligned if you are still unable to gather a baseline reading. Hit the "Check Signal" button in the Data Collection window. Make certain that the signal is consistent with the listed base line values. If the laser is not correctly aligned, the FTIR will not receive or transmit signal.

• 3

  Remove and inspect the sample if you are still receiving no signal from the FTIR or are unable to read a baseline. Re-insert the sample face down in the sample compartment. Samples will not read unless they are in this position.

• 4

  Clean the attenuated total reflectance crystal (ATR) if you are still receiving no signal from the FTIR and unable to read a baseline. Cleaning the ATR crystal makes sure that no tiny particles are blocking the signal. The ATR crystal can be cleaned with an Absolute Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), a cotton swab or lens paper.

• 5

  Increase the sample thickness or the number of runs per measurement if the sample peaks are too small in comparison the baseline. This issue means that the signal is too low and the 1600 series FTIR is receiving inadequate signals.