Agilent SpectrAA Instruments Application Note: Instrument Zero and Blank Reading

About this manual

This document describes the two-step process required to properly zero a SpectrAA spectrometer: setting the instrument zero under normal operating conditions and setting the analytical zero using a blank solution. It details how these steps correct for constant factors like beam balance and analyte contamination.

The text covers the operation of both Flame and Furnace modes, explaining the sequence of events for automatic and manual sampling. It includes examples of signal graphics traces and a comparison table showing screen trace values versus blank-corrected absorbance values.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Instrument Zero
• Blank Readings
• Signal Graphics
• Operation Flame
• Operation Furnace
• Programmable Gas Control Unit

Frequently asked questions

What two steps must be carried out to zero a spectrometer properly?

You must first set the instrument zero under normal operating conditions, and then set the analytical zero using an analytical blank solution.

What is the integration time for the instrument zero step?

The instrument zero is a one second integration that determines the zero offset.

What happens to the displayed absorbance value after the instrument zero operation?

The absorbance value displayed in the upper left corner of the screen will show 0.000.