HPLC/UV

Application Note Categories

HPLC/UV

In HPLC, ultraviolet (UV) detectors measure absorption of radiation from chromophores in eluted compounds over the range 190-400nm.

The detector for an HPLC is the component that emits a response due to the eluting sample compound and subsequently signals a peak on the chromatogram. It is located immediately after to the stationary phase to detect compounds as they elute from the column. Ultraviolet (UV) detectors measure the ability of chromophores in compounds in a sample to absorb UV light. This can be accomplished at one or several wavelengths over the range from 190-400nm. Fixed wavelength detectors measure at a single wavelength, usually 254nm, variable wavelength detectors measure individual wavelengths sequentially, but can detect many over a wide range and diode arrays measure a spectrum of wavelengths simultaneously. The majority of organic compounds can be analyzed by UV detectors and most HPLC analyses are performed using UV detectors.