Storage of all spectra consumes a lot of disk space. It is very useful to have all spectra available during optimization of a method or when analyzing unique samples. However when running many samples of the same type, the large size of data files with all spectra may become a burden. The detector provides functions to reduce the amount of data, yet retaining the relevant spectral information.
Only the wavelength range where the compounds in your sample absorb contains information that is useful for purity checks and library searches. Reducing the spectrum storage range saves disk space.
Most substances have broad absorbance bands. Display of spectra, peak purity and library search works best if a spectrum contains 5 to 10 data points per width of the absorbance bands. For anisic acid (the example used before) a step of 4 nm would be sufficient. However a step of 2 nm gives a more optimal display of the spectrum.
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