| abstract |
The eluent from a liquid chromatography column is irradiated, while flowing between the column and a conventional detector adapted to detect a given property, in order to convert a known or suspected constituent photochemically to a species which possesses the property or to one in which the property is changed in magnitude (enhanced or reduced) to a substantial degree. The irradiation may be by UV or visible light, and the property may eg be fluorescence with, or absorbance of, UV or visible light. The method can increase the sensitivity and/or selectivity of detection, eg in the presence of interfering substances which do not react to irradiation in the same way as the constituent of interest. n Apparatus for performing the method may comprise a long translucent small-bore tube shaped to a configuration which surrounds a light-source and which is connected between the column and the detector. |