Thermo Scientific Vanquish – Fluorescence Detector F - Product Specifications

Significance of the topic

High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection remains a cornerstone technique for trace analysis of fluorescent compounds in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and biochemical research. The combination of UHPLC speed and fluorescence sensitivity enables selective quantitation at low concentration levels, addressing stringent regulatory and research demands.

Objectives and scope

This summary examines the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Fluorescence Detector F, detailing its design principles, performance specifications and integration with the Vanquish UHPLC platform. Key goals include enhancing detection sensitivity, throughput and user experience.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Optical architecture: two concave holographic grating monochromators with elliptic mirrors deliver high light transmission and stray-light suppression.
• Light source: xenon flash lamp adjustable at HighPower (300 Hz), Standard (100 Hz) or LongLife (20 Hz) pulse frequencies for optimal sensitivity and lamp longevity.
• Detection modes: single-spectrum and fluorescence field acquisitions (excitation, emission or synchronous) with simultaneous monitoring of up to four excitation/emission wavelength pairs.
• Flow cell options: 8 µL and 2 µL biocompatible cells with temperature control up to 50 °C, supporting narrow-bore UHPLC columns and trace detection.
• Data acquisition: up to 200 Hz per channel under Chromeleon CDS v7.2 or later, with rapid wavelength switching (<250 ms).

Main features and performance discussion

• Sensitivity: Raman S/N >550 (ASTM) over lamp lifetime, exceeding 2100 using dark-signal reference.
• Wavelength coverage: excitation 200–630 nm (up to 880 nm with Dual-PMT), emission 220–650 nm (up to 900 nm with Dual-PMT); spectral bandwidth 20 nm; wavelength accuracy ±2 nm.
• GLP compliance: predictive diagnostics for lamp age, leaks and service intervals, with full audit trails in Chromeleon CDS.
• Biocompatibility: compatible with pH 2–12 and chloride concentrations up to 1 mol/L; robust wetted materials including fused silica and PTFE.

Benefits and practical applications

• Trace analysis of fluorescent analytes in pharmaceutical QA/QC, environmental assays and food safety testing.
• High throughput enabled by fast data rates and multichannel detection, reducing analysis time.
• Enhanced reliability through advanced diagnostics, long-life lamp operation and low maintenance.
• Flexible method development with synchronized spectrum scanning and variable emission filters.
• Seamless integration into Vanquish UHPLC workflows for routine and research applications.

Future trends and possible applications

The evolution of fluorescence detection will focus on wider spectral coverage into near-infrared, faster electronics for real-time reaction monitoring and integration with AI-driven data analysis. Miniaturized flow cells and multiplexed detection schemes are expected to improve sensitivity and throughput in microfluidic and lab-on-chip systems.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Vanquish Fluorescence Detector F offers state-of-the-art sensitivity, spectral flexibility and robust diagnostics, making it a versatile tool for modern UHPLC applications. Its combination of performance and usability supports advanced analytical workflows and ensures reliable trace detection.

Instrumental details

• Models: VF-D50-A (single PMT), VF-D51-A (Dual-PMT).
• Flow cells: 8 µL standard (20 bar), 2 µL micro (40 bar).
• Light source: xenon flash lamp, pulse frequency 20–300 Hz.
• Wavelength range: excitation 200–630 nm (up to 880 nm), emission 220–650 nm (up to 900 nm).
• Control software: Dionex Chromeleon CDS v7.2 or later.
• Environmental: 5–35 °C, 20–80 % RH.
• Dimensions: 159 × 420 × 620 mm; weight 21 kg.