CALIBRATION OF OPTICAL ANALYSIS MAKING USE OF MULTIVARIATE OPTICAL ELEMENTS

摘要

The invention provides a method of calibrating an optical analysis system that makes use of multivariate optical signal analysis allowing to realize cost-efficient and robust implementation of a spectral analysis of an optical signal. The calibration method makes use of determining a parameter of a reference sample by means of the optical analysis system and comparing the actually determined parameter with a reference parameter that represents a precise and real property of the reference sample. Based on this comparison a calibration value can be determined that is applicable to perform a calibration of the optical analysis system with respect to at least one compound or analyte of the reference sample. Parameters and reference parameters of a reference sample may refer to a concentration of an analyte dissolved in the sample, or to spectroscopic background signals that have to be taken into account when performing a spectral analysis based on optical signals obtained from the reference sample. Various different reference samples providing a reference with respect to different acquisition conditions and different analyte or compound concentrations can be universally used. Analyte-specific reference data is preferably stored in a calibration unit of the optical analysis system and allows a high degree of automation of the calibration process.