A refractive index (RI) detector, also called a differential refractometer, measures refractive index when light is passed through an analyte-containing cell as compared to a reference cell containing just solvent. When the analyte in a flow cell differs from the solvent, the difference registers as a peak in an HPLC chromatogram. Because they can detect anything with a refractive index that differs from the solvent, these are considered to be the only universal detectors for HPLC. When choosing an instrument, it is important to consider its sensitivity and limits of detection, the refractive index range, maintenance features, and temperature control.
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| Company | Waters | Wyatt Technology | Waters | Wyatt Technology |
| Item | Optilab™ Refractive Index Detector for HPLC/GPC | microOptilab™ Refractive Index Detector for UHPLC |
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| Catalog Number | Optilab | microOptilab |
| Price | | |
| Detector(s) | Differential Refractive Index (dRI) | Differential Refractive Index (dRI) |
| Description | The Optilab™ is a unique dRI detector for standard HPLC/GPC with 256 times the detection power and 50 times the dynamic range over alternative RI detectors for chromatography. This detector measures the solvent's absolute refractive index, a requirement for MALS calculations, at the same The Optilab™ is a unique dRI detector for standard HPLC/GPC with 256 times the detection power and 50 times the dynamic range over alternative RI detectors for chromatography. This detector measures the solvent's absolute refractive index, a requirement for MALS calculations, at the same wavelength as the MALS detector, for maximum accuracy. With an operating window from 4°C - 65°C it is appropriate for both protein and polymer samples. Key benefits include its extraordinary range: -0.0047 to +0.0047 RIU (comparable to 25 mg/mL protein in PBS); the high-concentration version extends the range by 7x. Its sensitivity is ± 7.5 x 10-10 RIU across the entire measurement range. It also includes a high-resolution, touch-screen front panel that displays data graphs and diagnostics.... Read More | The microOptilab™ brings universal detection capabilities, unsurpassed concentration range, and superb sensitivity and linearity to the domain of UHPLC. Key benefits include low band broadening, < 4 µL, to maintain the resolution of very narrow UHPLC peaks. Its dRI measurement range is, - 4The microOptilab™ brings universal detection capabilities, unsurpassed concentration range, and superb sensitivity and linearity to the domain of UHPLC. Key benefits include low band broadening, < 4 µL, to maintain the resolution of very narrow UHPLC peaks. Its dRI measurement range is, - 4.7 x 10-3 to + 4.7 x 10-3 RIU (comparable to 25 mg/mL protein in PBS). The detector is highly sensitive, ± 1.5 x 10-9 RIU, across the entire measurement range. This detector measures solvent refractive index, required for MALS calculations at the same wavelength as the MALS detector, for maximum accuracy. The temperature range of 4°C - 65°C is appropriate for both proteins and polymers that require a range of temperatures. It also features a high-resolution, touch-screen front panel displays data graphs, system health indicators and instrument diagnostics.... Read More |
| Refractive Index Range | 1.2 to 1.8 RIU | 1.2 to 1.8 RIU |
| Measuring Range | -0.0047 to +0.0047 RIU | dRI measurement range: -4.7 x 10-3 to +4.7 x 10-3 RIU |
| Noise Level | ± 7.5x10-10 RIU | 1.5 x 10-9 RIU |
| Linearity | 0.02 | Inquire |
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