Abstract

A new hyphenated instrument for the detection of fluorescent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in complex enviromental samples is described. The instrument combines a high resolution separation tool, capillary gas chromatography, with a high resolution spectroscopic instrument, laser fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. Optimal interfacing of these two devices is accomplished by means of a novel pulsed free jet expansion system which withstands temperatures to 300°C, has a very low dead volume, pro vides an excellent duty factor match between the steady-state gas chromatograph and the pulsed laser, and yields cooled, isolated gas phase molecules for high resolution spectroscopy. As a test of the system, a complex environmental sample was analyzed for the geometric isomers of monomethylanthracene.

© 1986 Optical Society of America