Abstract:
A fluorescence spectrometer comprises a light source with a flashlamp (2), means (9) for selecting an excitation wavelength, a sample cuvette (11), means (16) for spectrally separating the radiation emitted from the sample cuvette (11), and detector means (18) for detecting the spectrally separated radiation. The detector means (18) comprise an avalanche photodiode, preferably an array of avalanche photodiodes. The use of a flashlamp in combination with avalanche photodiodes ensures high sensitivity in the determination of low sample concentrations, in particular when the sample composition changes over time as in liquid chromatography.
Abstract:
An electrochemical detector comprising an electrochemical cell (11), a working electrode (1), an auxiliary electrode (2), a reference electrode (3), a potentiostat (4), and a circuit (7,8) for deriving a signal indicative of the current developed at the working electrode additionally comprises means for monitoring and determining the potential of the reference electrode (3). These means comprise an electrometer circuit (9) which can be connected via a switch (S2) to the auxiliary electrode (2) to measure the potential of the reference electrode. During the measurement, the working electrode (1) is disconnected from the circuit (7,8) which is at the same time connected to the electrometer circuit (9) via switch (S1). The invention permits to recognize measuring errors associated with instabilities in the reference electrode potential (FIG. 1).
Abstract:
A liquid transfer appliance and a well plate are moved towards each other and a current is detected that flows upon contact between the liquid transfer appliance and a first electrically conductive element of the well plate. The position of the well plate relative to the liquid transfer appliance is determined at the time of contact. The determined position is used as a reference position for further positioning at least one of the well plate and the liquid transfer appliance.
Abstract:
A method of detecting sample substances separated by an analytical separation technique, for example liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis, using electromagnetic radiation, and a corresponding fluorescence spectrometer are disclosed. The spectrometer comprises: a flashlamp for emitting pulses of light, an adjustable diffraction element for adjusting selectable measuring wavelengths, a sample cuvette through which sample substances to be detected flow, detection means for receiving fluorescence light emitted from said sample substances flowing through said sample cuvette, and control means for adjusting different measuring wavelengths by corresponding control of said adjustable diffraction element, and for synchronizing the emission of light pulses from said flashlamp with said adjusting of different measuring wavelengths.
Abstract:
A method of determining optimum operating potential in an electrochemical detector and an electrochemical detector for performing the method, particularly for use in connection with a liquid chromatograph, are disclosed. A control and data processing unit causes a plurality of different potentials to be successively applied in an electrochemical cell and a subsequent electrochemical detection of the sample to be performed at each of the potentials. After each adjustment of a new potential, the current behavior at the working electrode in the electrochemical cell is monitored by an amperometer. When the current behavior has stabilized, a trigger signal is produced by the unit which effects an injection of the sample into the separation column of the chromatograph. From the current signals at the working electrode obtained for the different potentials, it can be determined which potential gives optimum detectability of the sample.