Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation

2.2.3.4. Detectors

Components collected on each tube are measured by direct spectrophotometric techniques. In sophisticated equipments, the outlet of the column is connected to an on-line detector, which monitors the components passed through a flow cell. These monitors give a continuous readout in the form of chromatogram that helps to collect the fractions of interest. The most popular detector is an absorbance spectrophotometer, which detects components by their ability to absorb light at defined wavelengths.