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GL Sciences OPTIC-4

The GL Sciences OPTIC-4 Multimode Inlet is an advanced gas chromatograph inlet system designed to provide flexible sample introduction together with precise temperature and gas flow control for demanding analytical applications. The system supports a wide range of injection techniques, including hot and cold split/splitless injection, large-volume solvent-vent injection, on-column injection, thermal desorption and pyrolysis. Its low thermal mass design enables rapid temperature programming across a broad operating range, from cryogenic conditions to very high temperatures, allowing efficient transfer of both volatile and high-boiling compounds onto the analytical column. This versatility makes the OPTIC-4 well suited to complex sample matrices and specialised workflows such as in-liner derivatisation, difficult matrix introduction and multidimensional GC methods.

The OPTIC-4 platform is available in three main configurations to suit different analytical requirements: the OPTIC-4 standard multimode inlet for general-purpose flexible injection techniques, the OPTIC-4 Pyro version for high-temperature pyrolysis applications involving solid or high-molecular-weight samples, and the OPTIC-4 TDU version designed specifically for thermal desorption using industry-standard thermal desorption tubes. All versions are supplied with dedicated control hardware and Evolution Workstation software for real-time monitoring and method control, with integration options for common chromatography data systems. The modular design allows operation as a standalone inlet or in combination with accessories such as cryogenic trapping and ensures compatibility with a wide range of GC and GC–MS instruments.

Features

  • Multimode Injection Capability – Supports hot and cold injection, large-volume solvent vent, on-column injection, thermal desorption and pyrolysis
  • Wide Temperature Range – Operates from cryogenic temperatures (down to approx. –150°C) up to high temperatures (up to 600°C or 700°C in pyrolysis configuration)
  • Fast Temperature Ramping – Low thermal mass design enables heating rates up to 60°C/sec for efficient analyte transfer
  • Flexible Sample Volume Handling – Suitable for injection volumes from sub-microlitre levels up to large-volume injections (depending on configuration and method conditions)
  • Advanced Gas Flow Control – Enables techniques such as solvent venting, backflush, flow modulation and Deans’ switching
  • Cryogenic Trapping Compatibility – Can be integrated with cryogenic trapping accessories to improve peak focusing and sensitivity
  • Thermal Desorption Configuration Available – Special version compatible with industry-standard thermal desorption tubes
  • High-Temperature Pyrolysis Option – Dedicated configuration for pyrolysis GC–MS applications involving solids or high-molecular-weight compounds
  • Software-Controlled Operation – Evolution Workstation software provides real-time parameter monitoring, method control and data logging
  • Broad Instrument Compatibility – Designed for integration with most GC and GC–MS systems and compatible with automated sampling platforms
  • Modular, Upgradeable Design – Available in multiple configurations to expand GC analytical capability as laboratory requirements evolve

Specification

OPTIC-4 Multipurpose Version
81 x 5 mm
OPTIC-4 TDU Version
3.5 x 1/4 inch
OPTIC-4 Pyrolizer Version
81 x 5 mm
Main applications are liquid injections
Pyrolysis applications till 600°C
Main applications are Thermal Desorption
Also used for liquid injections
Main applications are Pyrolysis
Also used for liquid injections
Liner size OD: 81 x 5 mm Liner / TD tube size OD: 3.5 x 1/4 inch Liner size OD: 81 x 5 mm
Maximum temperature is 600°C Maximum temperature is 600°C Maximum temperature is 700°C
Large selection of liners available Standard TD tubes (glass and metal) can be used 100% oxygen free pyrolysis
This version is the original version and has the biggest installed base The 3.5 x 1/4 inch versions can handle both glass and metal TD tubes (Industry Standard) Very popular for pyrolysis
Micro plastic work is done on this version
Very popular for Large Volume Injections and different versions of cold injections Most popular with LINEX and CDC station for automated Thermal Desorption Most popular with LINEX for automated Pyrolysis
Both liquid and solid Pyrolysis
Optional integrated Cold Trap Optional integrated Cold Trap Optional integrated Cold Trap

Literature

OPTIC-4 high performance multimode inlet (MMI) for gas chromatography
OPTIC-4 high temperature multimode pyrolyser for gas chromatography
OPTIC-4 thermal desorption inlet for gas chromatography
High inertness and low bleed InertCap GC and GC-MS columns from GL Sciences