700 Series won't optimize at RF power lower than 1.2 kW

Question

Our 700 series ICP-OES won't keep the plasma running below a RF power of 1.2 kW. We would like to be able to optimize using the AutoMax feature over the full range of RF power to try and improve accuracy for some analytes. When selecting the range over which to optimize using AutoMax, any lower limit below 1.15 kW causes the plasma to shut off immediately as soon as the power goes below 1.2 kW during the instrument's optimization. Any suggestions are welcome.

edgarvs · Answer

Hi, 
 important is that the torch is clean/new and that the sample intro parts are tighten/good connected 
 Maybe the optical fiber looker inside the plasma chamber is dirty. It&rsquo;s difficult to see but in the upper right corner of the chamber is an optical fiber located. It could be cleaned carefully with an cotton tip dipped in some water. 
 if after these checks and steps still the plasma extinguish at low power the please contact the local Agilent support for help 
 
 Cheers