Sample Preparation:  Thin Films (liquid)

Step 1.  Get two salt plates out of the oven.

Handle them by the edges (never by the face).  Avoid dropping, scratching or otherwise damaging the plates; they are quite fragile.

plates1.jpg (24215 bytes)
Step 2.  Place them on a clean Kim-wipe to avoid contamination from the counter.   Place one drop of the liquid on one plate, then make a "sandwich" with the second.

A region of translucence should be visible.  Make sure no liquid is dripping out the edges; if so, wipe it up.

If one drop is too much, take the plates apart, wipe one off, and place them back together.

plates2.jpg (16641 bytes)
Step 3.  Use the sample holder that has a plastic "V" to support the plates. plates3.jpg (20694 bytes)
Step 4.  Place the assembly in the spectrometer, ensuring the laser is going through the area where the sample is. plates4.jpg (35474 bytes)
Step 5.  After collecting the spectrum data, clean the plates with isopropanol (Not water!) and return them to the oven.  plates5.jpg (30152 bytes)

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Last updated: 12/19/2000