Technical benefits of the Viscotek SEC-MALS 20

This document describes briefly the advantages of using this instrument

Abstract

The Viscotek is a 20 angle multi-angle light scattering detector for the measurement of molecular weight and radius of gyration. It is designed for the characterization of natural, synthetic polymers and proteins. The hardware contains a number of technical advantages that place its performance above other MALS detectors.

Introduction

The Viscotek SEC-MALS 20 is a 20 angle multi-angle light scattering detector for the measurement of molecular weight and radius of gyration, Rg. It is designed for the characterization of natural and synthetic polymers and proteins. The hardware inside the SEC-MALS 20 contains a number of technical advantages that place its performance above other MALS detectors.

This technical note briefly describes these advantages.

Vertical flow cell with radial optics

The SEC-MALS 20 contains a flow-cell that is arranged vertically within the system. The chromatographic flow enters at the inlet at the bottom of the cell and flows upwards to the outlet. The laser is arranged horizontally so that the incident light passes through the center of the cell. The different detectors are arranged around the cell in the same plane as the laser. A schematic of this design is shown in figure 2 and the setup is known as a 'vertical flow cell with radial optics'.