Synchronized cyclic capillary electrophores—a novel approach to ion separations in solution

A novel concept for repeated column switching in capillary electrophoresis is presented. Theoretical considerations predict high plate numbers per volt. Using micromachining techniques, a planar glass structure has been fabricated, which contains four capillaries of 20 mm length arranged in a square. Laser fluorescence detection gave a cycle time of 70 s for 2.5 kV applied. After five cycles a theoretical plate number of 40,000 was reached.