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A Universal Detector for Gas Chromatography: Introducing GC-VUV
In the current detector market, the mass spectrometer has been accepted as the most universal detector for gas chromatography with capabilities of both trace quantitative and definitive qualitative information. This being said, quantitative detection can be limited for small or ionizably labile molecules while qualitative shortcomings can be found by some isomeric, isobaric, or structurally similar molecules. The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detector we are introducing represents the first fully universal quantitative and qualitative detector option for GC. All species are able to absorb energy in the VUV spectral range (115-180 nm), and their gasphase spectra are unique across this range. We have demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in the low to mid picogram range for all compounds evaluated, including linear and branched hydrocarbons, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and pesticides. Spectral deconvolution of compounds indistinguishable by MS that coelute in GC separations is highlighted. Compound classes are able to be identified through systematic absorbance regions in the VUV wavelength range. It is anticipated that the advantages in using this spectroscopic detector can circumvent many of the detection difficulties found with mass spectrometry.
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