Environmental factors

Temperature

Maintain the temperature in the workspace between 16 °C and 27 °C (60 °F and 80 °F).

For better long-term stability, keep the temperature between 20 °C and 22 °C (68 °F and 72 °F). Temperature changes may result in long-term drift in the system response.

Once the instrument has been installed, plan to leave it turned on. The stability of the electronics and the optics will be improved if it is left on consistently. Small changes may occur if the instrument is frequently switched on and off. 

Place the system away from sources of heat or cool air, such as heating or air conditioning vents and ducts, large windows, hot plates, and heating mantles.

Vibration

Floor vibration or acoustical noise from heavy manufacturing equipment or other sources will not damage the system, but it can affect performance and spectral quality.

Keep the system away from machinery that may vibrate the floor, and minimize or eliminate acoustic noise and vibration wherever possible.

Dust and particulates

The microscope must be installed in a location where it will not be exposed to excessive dust or other airborne particulate matter.

Humidity and moisture

The microscope is not sealed, and none of the parts are hygroscopic. However, if you are in an environment with high humidity, we recommend the following additional measures to protect the instrument and to improve the quality of spectra:

• Purge the system with dry air or nitrogen. For more information on purging your instrument, see "Purging the instrument."

• Maintain the environmental humidity in the range of .

• Avoid rapid changes in temperature that may cause condensation.

Static electricity

Since static electricity can destroy electronic components, your instrument was specially designed to meet the international standard: "IEC 61000-4-2; electrostatic discharge immunity test for measurement, control, and laboratory use."

If you have trouble with static electricity in your laboratory, you can further protect your instrument by following these guidelines:

• Maintain the environmental humidity in the range of 20% to 80% noncondensing.
• Use conductive flooring in the work space.
• Place antistatic mats over conventional carpet.
• Avoid plastic chairs that may build up large static potentials.
• Wear natural fiber clothing.
• Use a grounding strap.

Magnetic fields

The instrument was tested and found to meet the requirements of IEC 61000-4-8 Immunity, according to Criteria A. In this test, the microscope was subjected to 3 A/m at 50/60 Hz and continued to perform normally. Install the microscope in a location that does not exceed the tested magnetic field strength.

Electromagnetic radiation

This instrument was tested for immunity to electromagnetic radiation and found to meet the requirements of IEC 61000-4-3 Immunity, Criteria A. In this test, the microscope continued to perform normally while it was subjected to strong radiated electromagnetic fields.