[Experience] Causes of systematic errors in handheld spectrometers

As we all know, a handheld spectrometer is a commonly used analytical instrument. It features portability, accuracy, high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, better intensity accuracy and wavelength accuracy, strong resistance to external interference, and outstanding instrumentation. In instrument software, stability requires the ability to perform complex mathematical calculations (such as derivatives and deconvolution), the capacity to calculate the similarity between spectra, pattern recognition analysis, support for multivariate calibration analysis, as well as user-created spectral libraries and searches. It is widely used in fields such as ores, the environment, alloys, consumer goods, etc.

The handheld spectrometer is an analytical instrument that we often use. It has the advantages of portability and accuracy, and features high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, as well as better intensity accuracy and wavelength accuracy. In terms of the instrument's software, it is required to be capable of performing complex mathematical calculations such as derivatives and deconvolution. It can calculate the similarity between spectra, conduct pattern recognition analysis, support multivariate correction analysis, and enable users to build their own spectral libraries for retrieval. It is widely used in fields such as ores, the environment, alloys, and consumer goods. The handheld spectrometer itself has a very high measurement accuracy. However, when determining the element content in the sample, the results obtained under normal circumstances are different from the true content, and there will be certain errors. Moreover, it is affected by many factors. Some materials have a very low content in themselves.

When using a portable spectrometer, there are certain requirements for the environment. It should not be operated in a humid environment. The humidity of the environment should be between 0 and 95%. It should not be operated at too high a temperature. The reason for this is to avoid interference from various magnetic fields. Only in this way can the instrument detect more accurate results during analysis. Therefore, when working, everyone should pay attention to the suitability of the environment. Many times, the non-standard detection of instruments is largely related to the environment. For the instrument and meter industry, the corresponding technical standards and actual technical levels have become the core concerns of customers. The type of technology-intensive and high-output products also better presents its own value. The detection speed and integrated functions of this device itself also meet the operational requirements of Chinese customers for this portable spectrometer device. And this portable spectrometer has gradually shown the following trends along with the improvement of technical standards

First, it shows a trend of miniaturization;

In recent years, the small devices of the internal sensors of precision components have achieved a more compact design. Applying such components in the highly praised spectrometer design can achieve a centralized structural design, giving the spectrometer device a simpler structural design effect. Moreover, its own sensing device and small fiber optic probe have further reduced the size of the spectrometer. This trend of miniaturization has enabled this spectrometer to be steadily applied in a wider range, and it can achieve stable measurement results even in outdoor environments.

Second, it shows a stable trend of functional changes;

Only by relying on better functional design can reliable transmission capacity and more stable information provision capabilities be achieved. However, experienced portable spectrometer design manufacturers in our country have adjusted various technical parameters such as wavelength and attenuation distribution, enabling the design of this spectrometer to achieve an orderly arrangement of composite sensor arrays. The corresponding product application has enabled the measurement effect of this portable spectrometer to be better achieved. It can be effectively applied in some narrow Spaces and complex environments, and the stable function of this device has enhanced the effective utilization value of the spectrometer device.

Based on the above summary, it can be found that the value of the portable spectrometer device itself under the microprocessing mode has achieved better results, and the corresponding intelligent trend and functional design have also enhanced the application prospects of the portable spectrometer. Therefore, applying this type of spectrometer in various environments to enhance its application effect can also leverage the comprehensive advantages of the spectrometer to bring about better detection value, enabling the detection of more products in our country to have stable results and faster responses.

Although handheld spectrometers have very high measurement accuracy, when measuring the element content in samples, the obtained results usually do not match the actual content, with certain errors. Moreover, due to many factors, the content of some materials is very low.

The main factors causing errors in the handheld spectrometer system:

1.When the content and chemical composition of the standard sample and the sample are not completely the same, the strength of the matrix line and the analytical line may change, thereby causing errors.

2. When the metal structure of the cast steel sample is different from that of the annealed, quenched, tempered, hot-rolled and forged steel samples, the measured data will vary.

3. When the physical properties of the standard sample and the sample are not the same, the characteristic spectral lines excited will be different, and systematic errors will occur.

4. Overlapping interference of spectral lines of unknown elements. For instance, when deoxidizers and desulfurizing phosphorus agents are added during the smelting process, unknown alloying elements will be mixed in, and systematic errors will be introduced.

5. To eliminate system errors, it is essential to strictly adhere to the requirements for standard sample preparation. In order to check the systematic error, chemical analysis methods need to be used to analyze the results of multiple calibrations.