Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgels
Published on: September 8, 2016
Anomalies in evaporative light scattering detection
D Shock1, G R Dennis, G Guiochon
1Australian Centre for Research On Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Western Sydney Parramatta Campus, Locked Bag 1797, South Penrith DC, South Penrith, NSW, 1797, Australia.
Abstract:
A two-dimensional (2-D) "heart-cutting" HPLC system was used to fractionate oligostyrenes into the respective diastereoisomers. For samples of known composition, the response of an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detector followed the anticipated pattern. The response of an evaporative light-scattering (ELSD) detector on the other hand indicated quite different concentrations for the two diastereoisomers, relative to what was anticipated and what was indicated by the UV detector. Whereas approximately the same concentration was indicated by UV, ELSD in some cases indicated no detection of the later eluting isomer. The magnitude of the errors depended on both the molecular weight and the tacticity of the diastereomers. These anomalies appear to be an artifact of power transform functions imbedded within the firmware processor of the ELSD, invisible to the user.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

