Miniature fluorometric photodiode array detection system for capillary chromatography

A high-sensitivity multichannel fluorescence detector with small volume has been developed for use in capillary column liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography. By use of an intensified linear photodiode array to monitor fluorescence emission, on-line spectral information can be obtained over a linear range of 10/sup 3/, with minimum detectable quantities of less than 2 x 10/sup -11/ g. Sample chromatograms are presented for standard polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and for the high-efficiency separation of high-molecular-weight neutral aromatics extracted from a fossil fuel material. In addition, the use of spectral subtraction to resolve coeluting species is demonstrated. 40 references, 7 figures.