Abstract: An apparatus useful in identifying a solute includes a microbore separation column having unusually large particle packing making up the bed thereof. In addition, the microbore column is excessively long compared to conventional columns. Preferably, the column is thermally stabilized.

Abstract: A spectrometer capable of providing a predetermined wavelength of output light in accordance with a control voltage signal applied to a scanning element is described. The scanning element located at the grating image of the spectrometer is a small mirror attached to the rotor of a galvanometer whose angular position is accurately controlled by a closed-loop electronic control. The spectrum reflected from the mirror is passed through a slit to provide the output light of a predetermined wavelength. Selection of the waveform of the control signal allows the spectrometer to be operated as a dual wavelength spectrometer, to use a linear wavelength scan, or other wavelength scan patterns for absorbance analyses of a sample.