A robust thermal modulator for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

In comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC), two capillar y columns are connected in series through an interface known as a "thermal modulator". This device transforms effluent from the first capillary column into a series of sharp injection-like chemical pulses suitable for high-sp eed chromatography on the second column. Dramatic increases in the resolvin g power sensitivity, and speed of the gas chromatograph result. This paper describes the development of a robust and reliable thermal modulator for GC x GC.