Below are general answers on how to operate, maintain, and calibrate a polarimeter from the list of GAO Tek’s polarimeters. To facilitate our customers to a selection of our products, we have further classified our polarimeters by their features: analog, automatic, benchtop, digital automatic, high accuracy, multichannel, and rugged.

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Operating a Polarimeter:

Read the Manual:

  • Begin by thoroughly reading GAO Tek’s manual specific to your polarimeter model to understand its features, capabilities, and operation procedures.

Power On:

  • Turn on the polarimeter and allow it to warm up if required. This stabilizes the light source for accurate measurements.

Sample Preparation:

  • Prepare your sample according to the requirements of your experiment or analysis. Ensure it’s free from impurities or bubbles, as these can affect the results.

Filling the Sample Tube:

  • Carefully fill the sample tube with the prepared solution, avoiding air bubbles. Wipe the outside of the tube to remove any residue.

Inserting the Sample Tube:

  • Open the polarimeter’s sample compartment and gently place the filled sample tube inside, ensuring it is properly aligned.

Setting Up Measurement:

  • Adjust the settings according to your requirements, such as wavelength, temperature (if temperature control is available), and measurement mode.

Performing Measurement:

  • Follow the device’s procedure to start the measurement. This usually involves rotating a knob or pressing a button to find the point of maximum darkness or minimum light intensity (the null point).

Reading and Recording:

  • Read and record the angle of rotation displayed by the instrument. Repeat the measurement if necessary for consistency and accuracy.

 

Maintaining a Polarimeter:

Clean Regularly:

  • Clean the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. For optical components, use lens-cleaning tissue and solvent (like ethanol), if permitted by GAO Tek.

Sample Tube Maintenance:

  • Clean sample tubes thoroughly after each use. Ensure they are dry and free of residues.

Check for Calibration:

  • Regularly check if the polarimeter requires calibration. This ensures accuracy in measurements.

Avoid Physical Damage:

  • Handle the polarimeter and its components gently. Avoid dropping or jarring the instrument.

Environmental Considerations:

  • Keep the polarimeter in a stable environment with minimal temperature fluctuations and away from direct sunlight.

 

Calibrating a Polarimeter:

Frequency of Calibration:

  • Calibration frequency depends on usage, but generally, it should be calibrated regularly, as recommended by GAO Tek.

Zero Calibration:

  • Perform a zero calibration with an empty sample tube or a standard quartz plate (if applicable). Adjust the instrument to read zero degrees.

Standard Quartz Plate:

  • If your polarimeter uses standard quartz plates for calibration, insert the plate and take a measurement. Adjust the instrument so that it reads the specific rotation value of the quartz plate.

Use of Sucrose Solutions:

  • For some polarimeters, calibration can be done using sucrose solutions of known concentration and specific rotation. Measure the rotation and adjust the calibration accordingly.

Record Calibration:

  • Log details of each calibration, including date, time, and any adjustments made.

Consult the Manual:

  • Always refer to GAO Tek’s manual for specific calibration procedures as they can vary between different models and types of polarimeters.