LUMA™ is an advanced universal absorbance detector for GC, crafted on the foundations of Sensitivity, Selectivity, and Simplicity. It captures data across 12 distinct wavelength bands, including the vacuum ultraviolet range (118 - 240 nm) where almost all molecules absorb, except for typical GC carrier gases like hydrogen, helium, argon & nitrogen with detection limits down to single-digit ppb for some analytes!
Sensitivity
In a recent webinar by UK-based CatSci, LUMA was shown to achieve significantly lower detection limits vs. FID for several analytes as well as being able to detect compounds that're invisible to FID like water. Proof-of-concept work completed in our apps lab for a global pharma company also demonstrated the capability for LUMA to detect low-ppb levels of NDMA.
LUMA has also demonstrated its ability to detect ppb-levels of moisture, impossible by traditional GC detectors like FID and TCD but incredibly important for oligonucleotide synthesis and as a potentially green alternative to Karl Fisher analysis!!
15 ppb nitrosamine standard (top) and blank solvent injection (bottom).
Selectivity
Emphasising the selective characteristics of a universal detector may initially appear contradictory. However, with LUMA's 12 data channels, it can produce low-resolution analyte spectra that enhance identification and separation abilities. In certain instances, two coeluting analytes may be distinguished by choosing different channels for each.
This feature also enables peak purity tests to be conducted directly within common CDS platforms, ensuring reliable analyte identification and reducing the likelihood of missing coeluting unknowns in samples. With LUMA, identification is no longer restricted to retention time (RT) alone!
Analysis of LUMA spectra across a water peak for any coelutions.
Simplicity
While it's possible to utilise a mass spectrometer (MS) to improve identification confidence, MS introduces complexity for analysts in terms of data review and ongoing maintenance. In contrast, LUMA integrates seamlessly with widely used CDS platforms like Agilent's OpenLab, Waters' Empower, and Thermo's Chromeleon, eliminating the need to learn new systems.
LUMA is compatible with any standard GC carrier gas (with helium and hydrogen being the most favoured) and shares the same maintenance requirements as an HPLC's UV-vis detector, necessitating lamp replacement every 1-2 years.
Range of software platforms that can be used with LUMA!
If you'd like to learn more, including sample analyses and demonstrations, feel free to contact us today!