Characterization of a post-column reaction-laser-induced fluorescence detector for capillary zone electrophoresis.

Several modifications have been made to a post-column labeling system for use with capillary zone electrophoresis. Fluorescence excitation is now performed with a helium-cadmium laser rather than an arc lamp. The focusability of the laser beam allows the use of larger diameter capillaries in the post-column reactor without the excessive band broadening observed previously. These larger capillaries can be assembled in the reactor much more easily. Another improvement is that the flow-rate of the labeling reagent can now be accurately controlled and determined. Incorporating these changes, the performances of two reactors with capillaries of the same dimensions are compared.