Ultra-Short Pathlength Flow Cell for LC VUV Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VUV spectroscopy systems are limited by the lack of suitable components and demanding environmental considerations, making them difficult to implement and integrate with existing laboratories, and UV absorption detectors in LC systems cannot detect non-chromophoric molecules due to opacity of liquids in the VUV spectral range.
Innovation Solution
A VUV spectroscopy system with an ultra-short pathlength flow cell designed for LC systems, allowing semi-transparency to VUV light, zero dead volume, and modularity for different pathlengths, coupled with a focused light beam and precision tube guides for optimal light transmission through liquid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional VUV spectroscopy systems are used, then VUV light can be employed to probe matter, but the systems are difficult to implement due to lack of suitable components and demanding environmental considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pathlength parameter from conventional lengths to ultra-short pathlength (on the order of micrometers), which fundamentally alters the optical properties of the liquid sample, rendering it semi-transparent to VUV light and enabling bench-top implementation without complex environmental controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex environmental control systems and specialized components with a simple ultra-short pathlength flow cell design, substituting mechanical complexity with a streamlined optical configuration that achieves the same analytical capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If UV absorption detectors are used in LC systems, then detection can be performed, but non-chromophoric molecules cannot be detected due to opacity of liquids in the VUV spectral range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical pathlength parameter to ultra-short dimensions, which transforms the liquid sample from opaque to semi-transparent in the VUV range, enabling detection of non-chromophoric molecules that are otherwise undetectable by conventional UV absorption detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional pathlength scales to micrometer-scale pathlengths, effectively moving to another dimensional regime where the optical properties of liquids fundamentally change, allowing VUV light transmission through liquids
3Measurement precision
If standard pathlength flow cells are used, then liquid samples can be analyzed, but the liquid samples remain opaque to VUV light, preventing effective detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dramatically reduces the optical pathlength parameter from millimeter-scale to micrometer-scale, which changes the optical regime from opaque to semi-transparent, thereby enabling sensitive detection of analytes in liquid samples using VUV light
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient bench-top VUV absorption detection in LC systems, enhancing detection sensitivity and versatility by rendering liquids semi-transparent and allowing for adjustable pathlengths, facilitating integration into existing laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light is strongly absorbed by virtually all forms of matter. The ultra-short pathlength flow cell is designed to render liquid samples at least semi-transparent to VUV light.
Implementation Method 2
The focused beam of VUV light received by the aperture passes through the sample tube and the flow of liquid flowing through the sample tube. The VUV spectroscopy system utilizes absorption contrast between at least one analyte and a mobile phase solvent to determine the at least one analyte.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detector for use with a liquid chromatography (LC) system (otherwise referred to herein as an LC-VUV detector) for the study of liquids. The LC-VUV detector incorporates an ultra-short pathlength flow cell into the LC-VUV detector to render liquid samples at least semi-transparent to VUV light. The ultra-short pathlength flow cell is specifically designed to: (a) interface with a focused beam of VUV light, (b) provide zero ‘dead’ volume, resulting in perfectly laminar flow through the flow cell, and (c) be modular and removable, allowing flow cells of different pathlength to be used within the LC-VUV detector. Methods for analyzing liquid samples using the LC-VUV detector and flow cell disclosed herein are also provided in the present disclosure.