Laser Photoionization Technique for Conventional, Semi-Microcolumn and Microcolumn High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Laser two-photon ionization detection for high performance liquid chromatography was investigated. A free-falling jet cell (20nl) was used for a conventional system, and detection limit was 0.5pg for pyrene. A droplet cell (80nl) was used for a semi-micro and microcolumn systems; detection limits for pyrene were 8.4 and 1.6pg, respectively. In both cases the detection limit was better than that for a UV absorption detector. The sensitivity and selectivity of this detector are shown with a three-dimensional chromatogram, in which retention times and excitation laser wavelengths are displayed.