摘要 |
A centrifugal spectrometer has a solid rotor ( 10 ) formed within which there are cavities or blades ( 12 ). In use, each blade is filled with a buffer solution, and a sample to be separated is placed in a sample well ( 32 ) at the end of a separation channel ( 24 ). The rotor is spun at a controlled velocity and, at the same time, a controlled potential difference is applied along the length of the blade. The blade shape causes the resultant electric field to vary as a function of radial distance. The sample separates out into bands, which move along the channel ( 24 ) under the combined influence of the centrifugal force and the varying electric field. The bands focus at differing equilibrium points according to their charge/mass ratios. The band positions are determined by a readout head ( 36 ). The dynamic range of the device may be controlled by altering the rotational velocity and the voltages that are applied. |