PPT Slide
How does a spectrometer work?
- IR source: Usually a glowing ceramic element i.e. it is very hot - do not touch!
- Sample: often there are two sample compartments
- Dispersive element: usually a prism(as shown) or a grating.
- IR detector: these are usually semiconductor detectors. Some are room - temperature, some are liquid nitrogen cooled.
- The Mattson RS/1 has a room temperature detector.
- If you need to cool the detector, fill with liquid N2, then leave it to reach thermal equilibrium for 20 minutes. Otherwise signal sizes can vary quite a lot.