I am performing an operation qualification of a HPLC detector. There is a step requiring determination of the reference and sample energies at 220 nm. My results are about 50% of the manufacture’s specification for a detector with a new deuterium lamp. Although it is possible to measure the lamp energies, what does this demonstrate and what are the adverse consequences for low energies? The manufacturer can correct the alignment of the mirrors or replacement of the mirrors if defective at their facilities (no user adjustments possible). The mirrors for this detector appear acceptable.

Ask the manufacturer

If you are referring to a HP 1050 UV detector, I have the same problem. The R number is usually around 4.0 when everything is new. In my lab the optic mirrors get cloudy from the reaction of ozone from the deuterium lamp and a sulfur compound in the air. I remove the mirrors and clean them which usually increases the R value. The number does not affect the accuracy of my analysis. When the low illumination warning comes out in the read out then I clean the optics. If it is the monochromator that is affected, I call service to change it.

Mr. Jaime_B._Villanueva wrote:
"In my lab the optic mirrors get cloudy from the reaction of ozone from the deuterium lamp and a sulfur compound in the air. I remove the mirrors and clean them...."

Could you please explain how one can safely clean front coated mirrors?

Thank you,
Regards Joe