Appeal No. 2006-1787
Application No. 09/746,361
360 .mu.m, is disposed in the channel. Narrow bore
capillaries are typically used in this capillary
electrophoresis embodiment because of heat transfer
properties and considerations. As the bore size
decreases, the surface area to volume ratio increases
and, as a result, the heat transfer rate increases.
This allows higher electric field strengths to be
applied before Joule heating begins to degrade
performance. These higher electric field strengths
result in faster and more efficient separations. In
addition, the lower electrical conductivity of the
smaller solution volumes in narrow capillaries results
in smaller currents and less Joule heating for a given
applied field.
The air space 118 between the fused silica capillary
and the groove is filled with an index-matched liquid
or gel such as a mineral oil, salt solution, sugar
solution, or the like. Index-matching liquids and gels
can be obtained commercially. It is important to choose
one which is transparent and non-fluorescing at the
wavelengths employed. The index-matched liquid or gel
couples the lens with the capillary so that the two
parts effectively form one optical component. Further,
since the lens and capillary are made of the same
material, the general lensing effect of the capillary
wall is eliminated.
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Last modified: November 3, 2007