Frequency-selective absorbance detection: Refractive index and turbidity compensation with dual-wavelength measurement

A frequency-selective absorbance detection approach and its applications are described. First, a digital signal processor–lock-in amplifier (DSP–LIA)-based absorbance detector was evaluated. Compared to a simple operational amplifier (TL082CP)-based detector, the DSP–LIA-based detector showed lower noise levels, but the relative advantage was reduced under very low photocurrent levels (down to few nA). A 7 cm pathlength flow cell with this commercial LIA-based detector exhibited excellent Beer's law linearity (r2 = 0.9999) and a noise level of 7 micro absorbance units (μAU). The limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) for methyl orange (MO) was 7 nM with this detector. Finally, as a more affordable alternative to an LIA, a balanced demodulator integrated circuit chip was used to fabricate a dual wavelength–frequency-selective LED-based absorbance detector. This device successfully compensated refractive index (RI) effect and turbidity effect in test flow systems. The LOD for MO with this system was 8 nM.