TG38 Version 4 December 2018
TG38 Version 4 December 2018
TG38 Version 4 December 2018
* The expanded uncertainties are given at the 95 % confidence level with a coverage factor of 2.1. See reference [2] for an explana-
tion of terms.
The solution recommended for wavelength calibration Low-Pressure Discharge Lamps Containing
is prepared by dissolving 4.0 g of holmium oxide in 96 g Mercury, Cadmium, Zinc, Neon, Argon, or
of 10 % (volume fraction) aqueous perchloric acid. The so-
lution can be warmed to aid dissolution, but it is preferred Krypton
that the solution be stirred overnight at room temperature Some spectrophotometers contain lamp housings for low-
to effect dissolution. The wavelengths of prominent lines pressure discharge lamps, or light from such lamps can be
of the holmium solution depend on the spectral bandwidth coupled into the spectrophotometer. Where this facility is
of the spectrophotometer; consensus values for spectral provided, wavelength checks can be made very conven-
bandwidths of 0.1 nm, 1 nm, and 3 nm are listed in Table 2. iently by operating the discharge lamp and isolating the
These wavelengths are considered intrinsic to holmium ox- emitted spectral lines. The mercury lamp has the advantage
ide and can be used without external calibration, provided that its emission spectrum contains several lines over a rea-
the solution is prepared carefully. sonable range of wavelengths. Wavelengths in air of some
Note: extreme care is needed in the handling and stor- prominent spectral lines of these elements are listed in Ta-
age of perchloric acid – consult relevant health and safety ble 3.
documentation for guidance. For spectrophotometers with a deuterium lamp, the two
deuterium emission lines at 486.0 nm and 656.1 nm [4] can
also be used for wavelength calibration.
Contact Details
Postal address: Measurement Standards Laboratory, Callaghan Innovation, PO Box 31-310, Lower Hutt 5040,
New Zealand.
Website: www.measurement.govt.nz
E-mail: [email protected]
The Measurement Standards Laboratory is New Zealand’s national metrology institute, operating under the authority of
the New Zealand Measurement Standards Act 1992. The Measurement Standards Laboratory is part of Callaghan
Innovation, a New Zealand Crown entity.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 3.0 Licence
(CC BY-ND 3.0 NZ, see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/nz/).
This licence allows for redistribution, commercial and non-commercial, as long as the work is passed
along unchanged and in whole, with appropriate credit.