LIMITS OF DETECTION AND RESOLUTION FOR ON-THE-FLY FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME DETECTION IN HPLC

The limits of lifetime detection and resolution in on-the-fly fluorescence lifetime detection in HPLC were evaluated for simple, binary systems of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It was found that peak heterogeneity due to coelution was clearly indicated for two compounds with fluorescence lifetime ratios as small as 1.2, and the individual peaks could be recovered using predetermined values for the lifetimes of the compounds. The meaning of detection limits in lifetime measurements was explored and definitions were proposed. Limits of lifetime detection were determined to be 6 and 0.3 pmol for benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene, respectively.