Wavelength Calibration

The detector uses the alpha (656.1 nm) and beta (486 nm) emission lines of the deuterium lamp for wavelength calibration. The sharp emission lines enable more accurate calibration than is possible with holmium oxide. When recalibration is started, the 1 nm slit is moved into the light path automatically. The gain is set to zero.

On completion of the scan, the alpha- and beta-line deviations (in nm) are displayed. These values indicate how far the detector calibration deviates from the actual positions of the alpha and beta emission lines. After calibration, the deviation is zero.

To eliminate effects due to absorbing solvents, remove the flow cell before starting the test.

When

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 UV-lamp),
after repair of components in the optical unit,
after exchange of the optical unit or main board,
after significant environmental condition changes (temperature, humidity),
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.

Parts required

Qty.		p/n	Description
1			Removed Flow Cell

Prerequisites

Detector/lamp must be on for more than 1 h.
When using a Flow Cell a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min with water is required.

NOTE

If the detector is operated in a lab environment that differs at average from the final test environment (25 °C) then the detector should be recalibrated for this temperature.

NOTE

If the detector was repaired (opened covers), the wavelength calibration can be done 10 minutes after lamp on. A final wavelength calibration should be repeated after complete warm-up of the detector.

Run the Wavelength Calibration with the Agilent Lab Advisor (for further information see Online-Help of user interface).

Figure: Wavelength Calibration - Results

If you select No, the test is aborted.

If you select Yes, the re-calibration is performed (the offset is corrected).

Subpages

Wavelength Recalibration Fails

21-Jun-2025