Selective multichannel optical time-shared detector for chromatography

Claim 1

A nondispersive chromatographic detector comprising: A. a radiant energy source; B. flow through sample cell means for positioning a sample for impingement by radiant energy from said source; C. chromatograph means including a separation means for causing a sample introduced to aid chromatograph to separate into components which elute successively in time from said separations means; D. means coupling said separation means to said flow through cell; E. first means for projecting radiant energy from said source toward said container means whereby a sample being analyzed is impinged by radiant energy and absorbs radiation and radiant energy transmitted by the sample is emitted from said container means; F. radiant energy intensity detection means; G. second means for projecting radiant energy emitted from said container toward said radiant energy detection means whereby said detection means provides an electrical indication representative of the intensity of radiant energy emitted from said container means; H. nondispersive radiant energy filter means for transmitting radiant energy incident thereon at a plurality of different predetermined analytical wavelengths, said filter means positioned in a path of projected radiant energy; I. means for causing radiant energy to periodically be projected at each of said plurality of analytical wavelengths; and, J. means coupled to said radiant energy detection means for providing a simultaneous indication of the intensity of radiant energy impinging on said detection means at each of said plurality of wavelengths.