First Steps with the Fluorescence Detector 2
1100 Series FD Reference Manual 37
Method Development
Fluorescence detectors are used in liquid chromatography when superior 
limits of detection and selectivity are required. Thorough method 
development, including spectra acquisition, is fundamental to achieve good 
results. This chapter describes three different steps that can be taken with the 
Agilent 1100 Series fluorescence detector. Table 5 gives an overview of how to 
benefit from the operation modes during these steps. 
Tabl e 5 Steps for thorough method development
Step 1:
Check system
Step 2:
Optimize limits of detection 
and selectivity
Step 3:
Set up routine methods
Fluorescence scan Find impurities (for example, 
in solvents and reagents)
Determine simultaneously 
the excitation and emission 
spectra of a pure
compound
Signal mode Perform wavelength 
switching
Use for lowest limits of 
detection
Spectral 
mode/multi-wavelength 
detection
Determine Ex/Em spectra for 
all separated compounds in a 
single run
Activate up to four 
wavelength simultaneously
Collect online spectra, 
perform library search, 
determine peak purity
Deactivate wavelength 
switching