Polarized Photometric Detector for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A photometric detector for an optically active compound is described in which two polarizers are set on both sides of the flow cell. When a nonchromophoric, optically active compound passes through the cell, the intensity of natural light transmitted through the polarizers and flow cell is changed. The detection of such a sample is possible photometrically. A large inclination angle between the polarizers increases the absorbance change and allows dextrorotatory and levorotatory to be differentiated. The direct HPLC/photometric detection of sugars is presented as an axample of this device.