Design, construction and evaluation of an ultraviolet absorbance detector for capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

The high resolution delivered by capillary electrophoresis is often partially lost at the detection stage as a result of insufficiently sensitive detection devices. This paper describes a novel, high-sensitivity variable-wavelength, on-column, single-pass UV absorbance detector. The superior design of optics results in a low noise level and a wide linear range spanning five orders of magnitude. The working wavelength can be adjusted from 190 to 500 nm. Since cell volumes as low as 0.1 nl are readily obtainable, the resolution of the detection device is compatible with that of the separation system.