The CE Window Maker is a tool designed and manufactured in‑house for creating optical detection windows in polyimide‑coated fused‑silica capillaries used in capillary electrophoresis (CE). This device supports UV and optical detection by removing a controlled section of the polyimide coating without compromising capillary strength or performance.
Unlike flame‑based or chemical stripping methods, the CE Window Maker produces consistent, well‑defined detection windows while minimizing the risk of capillary damage. This approach helps preserve separation performance and detector alignment in analytical CE systems.
Consistent & Controlled Window Formation
The CE Window Maker is engineered to produce a 2 mm detection window using a controlled thermal process that avoids excessive heat exposure. Internal circuitry limits heating duration, preventing over‑burning that can lead to window distortion, edge irregularities, or UV beam aberration.
This controlled approach allows windows to be formed cleanly and reproducibly, without weakening the capillary wall—an important consideration for high‑voltage electrophoretic applications.
Modular Window Sizes
The standard CE Window Maker is supplied with a 2 mm window module, suitable for most UV detection requirements. Additional window modules are available to accommodate different detector geometries and method needs:
1 mm window module (single‑coil loop)
4 mm window module (four‑coil loop)
7 mm window module (six‑coil loop)
Modules are interchangeable, allowing users to adapt window size without replacing the base unit.
Material Compatibility & Use Guidance
The CE Window Maker is intended for use with polyimide‑coated fused‑silica CE capillaries. It is not recommended for:
Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) columns
Certain surface‑coated or chemically modified capillaries
Users should verify compatibility based on capillary surface chemistry and analytical method requirements.
Key Advantages
Designed and manufactured in‑house
Produces consistent, well‑defined detection windows
No flame or harsh chemicals required
Reduces risk of capillary weakening
Controlled heating prevents window distortion
Modular design supports multiple window sizes
Applications
The CE Window Maker is widely used in:
Analytical CE method development
UV and optical detection workflows
Academic, pharmaceutical, and research laboratories
Instrument setup and capillary preparation environments
Removing some polyimide from fiber optic rods
Related Categories
