Perkin Elmer 303-6037 Intensitron Hollow Cathode Lamp 30Ma

The PerkinElmer 396861 Intensitron Hollow Cathode Lamp 30mA is a specialized light source used in atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy, a technique commonly used for the analysis of metals in samples. The Intensitron is a series of hollow cathode lamps manufactured by PerkinElmer, designed to provide a stable, high-intensity light source for atomic absorption instrumentation. Here’s a breakdown of its key components and functions:

Key Features:

1. Hollow Cathode Lamp (HCL) Technology:

   • Hollow Cathode Lamps are widely used in atomic absorption spectroscopy to provide a specific wavelength of light needed for the analysis of a sample. The lamp consists of a hollow cathode made of the element to be analyzed, which emits light when energized.
   • The Intensitron lamps are known for their high intensity, meaning they deliver a higher level of energy compared to standard hollow cathode lamps. This allows for better sensitivity and precision in analytical measurements.

2. 30mA Current:

   • The 30mA specification indicates the operating current required for the lamp. This is a typical current for these types of lamps, balancing light output and longevity. Operating at this current level allows the lamp to generate the required atomic emission spectrum efficiently without overdriving the cathode.
   • Higher current often leads to greater intensity, but it may reduce the lifespan of the lamp, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Intensitron Series:

   • The Intensitron lamps are designed for increased performance, particularly in terms of higher light output (intensity), which improves the sensitivity of atomic absorption measurements.
   • They are optimized for use in instruments that require consistent, high-quality light output for applications like trace metal analysis.

4. Element-Specific:

   • The lamp is designed to emit light at the specific wavelengths required for detecting certain elements in an atomic absorption spectrometer.
   • While the PerkinElmer 396861 is part of the Intensitron series, the exact element or elements it is designed to analyze are typically specified by the cathode material (e.g., copper, lead, or magnesium) that is present in the hollow cathode. This detail ensures that the spectrometer can focus on the absorption spectra of the target element.

5. Durability and Lifespan:

   • Intensitron lamps, like others, are designed to provide stable performance over an extended period, although the life of a hollow cathode lamp can vary depending on usage. Typically, these lamps are rated to last for several thousand hours of operation, though they will eventually degrade in brightness over time.

Applications:

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS):

  • The primary application of this hollow cathode lamp is in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). AAS is a technique used to measure the concentration of metal ions in liquid samples. It involves passing light through a flame or furnace with the sample, and detecting how much light is absorbed by atoms of the element being analyzed.
  • The 30mA Intensitron lamp helps to provide high-intensity light that ensures better signal quality and sensitivity for trace metal analysis.

• Environmental Monitoring:

  • This type of lamp is often used in environmental testing, such as measuring heavy metals in water, soil, or air samples.

• Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals:

  • Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers use atomic absorption to ensure that their products meet required purity standards, often analyzing trace levels of metals in substances.

• Food and Beverage Industry:

  • It can be used for testing food and beverages to detect metal contamination (e.g., lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals).

• Mining & Metallurgy:

  • The lamp is also used in the mining industry for analyzing ores and processing metals, as well as in metallurgical laboratories to monitor the composition of metals and alloys.