Using the Diode Array Spectrometer

The first step is to turn on the computer. Choose the ocean optics software (OOIbase32) from the Start menu. Once the software starts, turn on the lamp using the Strobe/Lamp Enable checkbox on the window (see below) and should see a red line for the

lamp intensity. You should be able to see the light coming through the sample compartment. Allow the lamp to warm up for at least 20 min before beginning.

You need to store a dark spectrum (with no light going through) and a background spectrum before continuing. The dropper off of the dropper bottles fits conviniently in the cell and blocks the light path. Block the light and select store dark from the

Spectrtum menu. Now place a cuvette containing your solvent in the spectrometer. From the Spectrum menu, choose Store Reference. Now you should again go to the Spectrum menu and choose Absorbance mode. Put your sample into the cuvette and place the cuvette in the spectrometer. Your spectrum should appear. From the View menu, you can choose Spectrum scale to rescale the spectrum to more convinient values. If you place the cursor on a peak, you can read off the wavelength and absorbance values from the bottom of the window. Clicking on the cursor button will make the cursor appear or disappear. You can print your spectrum to the attached printer.

When you are done, turn the lamp off using the Strobe/Lamp Enable checkbox, turn off the software, and shutdown the computer. The computer will not actually shut off. It will hang at the "Windows is shutting down" screen (it IS a Dell). Turn off the computer at the power strip.

This tutorial was created by Michael R. Jordan at Oklahoma Baptist University. Reproduction by printing or photocopying for instructional use by educational institutions is allowed.