Optoscan - CAIRN RESEARCH - #2

_Important Information

As with all our equipment, we have tried to impose as few constraints as practicable on the flexibility and performance of the Optoscan Monochromator. For maximum reliability we would recommend using the equipment within certain guidelines, but with care the Optoscan can be driven somewhat harder than this. If in any doubt, then please feel free to contact our technical support department (e-mail tech@ cairnweb.com).

The following points should be considered when using the Optoscan:

1. Xenon arc lamps are pressurised and a potential hazard. If using the Optoscan with our light source than please refer to the relevant section of the manual when changing lamps. If using a third party product then please refer to the manufacturer's documentation.

2. Use suitable protective eyewear when focussing the light. The short wavelengths generated by the monochromator are potentially hazardous, so care should be taken avoid direct exposure to the beam.

3. The diffraction grating is galvanometer driven and can change between wavelengths very rapidly (less than a millisecond for most practical purposes). This level of performance is attainable in prolonged repeat sequences provided that either the steps are very small, such as in scan mode, or if there are sufficient periods of inactivity within a cycle. If the grating is overdriven then both the galvanometer and the drive electronics will cut out transiently. These measures should not be regarded as a full protection against damage, and if the instrument does start to behave erratically it should be switched off and allowed to cool down before re-use. Please refer to the control interface section of this manual (section 3.1) for suggested protocols.

4. The slit changers are the most vulnerable part of the instrument to mechanical damage. When operating the galvanometer controlled slits, it is important to consider not only the points in note 3 above, but also the physical implications of rapidly opening and shutting a pair of sprung blades. If operating fast or for long periods it is advisable to keep the degree of movement relatively low. Particular care should be taken if driving the galvanometer slits from an external source because an inappropriate applied voltage could destroy the blades by over opening or closing the slits. We recommend a maximum opening of 3mm.

5. If either or both slits are micrometer controlled then care should be taken not to over open the blades. It is however acceptable to unwind the micrometer head to below zero in order to provide an overlap in the blades for shuttering.

6. The output light guide connector should be fitted very carefully so as not to push the guide into the exit slit mechanism.

7. The lamps we supply for use with our light source have a built in filter to cut off the short wavelengths which generate ozone, so there is little or no ozone emitted from the light source.