Matrix isolation fluorescence spectrometric detection in gas chromatography

The use of matrix isolation fluorescence spectrometry for detection in the open tubular column gas chromatography of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is described. Chromatographic column eluents are deposited directly on a movable 12-sided deposition surface positioned in the head of a closed-cycle cryostat. The chromatographic carrier gas serves as the matrix in the cryogenic deposit. An undispersed xenon lamp source and silicon intensified target vidicon detector are used; thus, fluorescence spectra can be obtained of sample constituents without prior knowledge of their identities. Use of the fluorometric detector to distinguish between members of a 12-component mixture of anthracene derivatives is considered, and the quantitative validity of the technique si examined via determination of the pyrene content of three National Bureau of Standards reference materials.