1. MxRady: The Precision All-Rounder
MxRady has established itself as a versatile manufacturer, particularly known for its LARK series of hollow cathode lamps. These are often the go-to for labs that need compatibility across multiple instrument brands.
Key Features of MxRady (LARK Series)
- Universal Design: Their 1.5-inch (37mm) lamps are designed to fit almost any AAS instrument, including Shimadzu, Thermo Fisher, and Varian.
- High Gas Volume: MxRady lamps are built with a larger internal volume. More inert gas (Argon or Neon) means a longer operational life, typically reaching up to 2,000 to 5,000 mA-hours.
- Spectral Purity: They utilize specialized cathode technology that minimizes “spectral line broadening,” which is essential for maintaining a linear calibration curve.
- Coded vs. Uncoded: They offer both regular and data-coded versions, ensuring that modern instruments can automatically recognize the element and set the correct current.
2. Kerro: The Specialist’s Choice
While MxRady covers a broad spectrum of AAS needs, Kerro is often recognized for its specialized and high-durability laboratory equipment. In the context of light sources, Kerro focuses on stability and rapid stabilization.
Why Choose Kerro?
- Stability and Low Noise: Kerro lamps are engineered for a low signal-to-noise ratio. This is critical when you are working with trace-level detections (ppb levels) where background “jitter” can ruin a measurement.
- Build Quality: Kerro often uses high-grade quartz windows for better UV transmission. This is particularly important for elements like Arsenic (As) or Selenium (Se) which emit at lower wavelengths.
- Fast Warm-up: One of the standout perks of Kerro-associated lamps is their thermal stability. They tend to reach a steady-state emission faster than generic alternatives, saving you valuable “dead time” in the lab.
3. Comparing MxRady vs. Kerro
| Feature | MxRady (LARK Series) | Kerro Series |
| Primary Strength | Universal compatibility & longevity | High signal stability & rapid warm-up |
| Material | Borosilicate/Quartz hybrid | High-purity Quartz (for UV elements) |
| Life Expectancy | High (focused on gas volume) | High (focused on cathode purity) |
| Best For… | High-throughput routine testing | Specialized trace analysis |
4. Maintenance Tips for These Lamps
To get the most out of your MxRady or Kerro investment, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Conditioning: If you haven’t used a lamp for several months, run it at half-current for about 30 minutes. This “cleans” the internal atmosphere (a process called gettering).
- Current Selection: Always check the specific recommended operating current on the lamp’s certificate. While they are built to handle high loads, running them at 50-70% of the maximum often provides the sharpest spectral lines.
- Storage: Keep them in a vibration-free, dry environment. The cathode structure is delicate and can be affected by physical shock.
Final Verdict
If you need a reliable, long-lasting lamp for a wide variety of AAS machines, MxRady’s LARK series is the industry workhorse. If your work involves extremely sensitive measurements or requires very fast instrument readiness, the Kerro line provides that extra edge in stability.
