Open Access

Hanns Simon Eckhardt, H. Dominick, Kenneth T.V. Grattan, Konrad Graubner, Karl-Friedrich Klein, Bernd Spangenberg, Tong Sun

• Previous studies of the hyphenation of gas chromatographic separation and spectrophotometric detection in the ultraviolet wavelength range between 168 and 330 nm showed a high potential for applications where the analysis of complex samples is required. Within this paper the development of a state-of-the-art detection system for compounds in the vapour phase is described, offering an improvedPrevious studies of the hyphenation of gas chromatographic separation and spectrophotometric detection in the ultraviolet wavelength range between 168 and 330 nm showed a high potential for applications where the analysis of complex samples is required. Within this paper the development of a state-of-the-art detection system for compounds in the vapour phase is described, offering an improved behaviour compared to previous systems: Dependent on the requirements of established detection systems hyphenated with gas chromatography, the main components of the system have to be designed for optimum performance and reliability of the spectrophotometric detector: A deuterium lamp as a broadband light source has been selected for improved stability in the measurements. A new-type absorption cell based on fiber-optics has been developed considering the dynamic necessary to compete with existing techniques. In addition, the influence of the volume of the cell on the chromatogram needs to be analyzed. Tests for determining the performance of the absorption cell in terms of chemical and thermal influences have been carried out. A new spectrophotometer with adequate spectral resolution in the wavelength range, offering improved stability and dynamic for an efficient use in this application was developed. Furthermore, the influence of each component on the performance, reliability and stability of the sensor system will be discussed. An overview and outlook over the potential applications in the environmental, scientific and medical field will be given.…