TCNJ Chemistry Instrumentation

Operating Instructions

Beckman DU 64 Spectrophotometer

1. Make sure the unit is plugged in.

2. Turn on the desired light source(s) by pressing the UV and/or VIS buttons.

3. Allow the source(s) to warm up for a few minutes in order for the lamp energy to stabilize.

4. To select the desired wavelength, enter the value using the numeric keys then press the λ button. (If the wavelength is entered incorrectly, repeat this step.) The wavelength will appear in the upper left corner of the display.

5. For absorbance readings, press the A button. For transmittance readings, press the %T button. A or T will appear on the top line of the display.

6. Fill a plastic cuvette (for aqueous solutions) or quartz cuvette (for organic solutions) about 75% full with solvent. This is the blank solution.

7. Place the blank solution in the sample compartment.

8. Make sure the sample compartment door is closed.

9. Press the CALB button to take a reading of the blank solution and calibrate ("zero") the spectrophotometer. CALB will appear on the display. Wait until CALB disappears before moving onto the next step.

10. Remove the blank solution.

11. Fill another plastic or quartz cuvette with sample solution.

12. Place the sample solution in the sample compartment.

13. Make sure the door is closed.

14. A reading will appear on the top line of the display. This value will fluctuate slightly.

15. Press the READ button to take a reading. The reading will appear in the lower right corner of the display.

16. Repeat steps 11-15 for additional sample readings.

17. Turn off the light source(s) when finished by pressing the UV and/or VIS buttons.