Patent ID: 8607615

Claim:
A two-dimensional gas chromatography system comprising: first and second columns; a thermal modulator operably disposed between said first and second columns, said thermal modulator having: a first micro channel stage operably coupled to said first column at an inlet of said thermal modulator, a second micro channel stage operably coupled to said second column at an outlet of said thermal modulator, an interconnection channel operably coupling said first micro channel stage and said second micro channel stage, and at least one cover member covering and sealing said first micro channel stage and said second micro channel stage; at least one rim heater operably coupled with said thermal modulator, said at least one rim heater thermal cycling said thermal modulator between a first temperature and a second temperature; and a rim portion disposed about said first micro channel stage and said second micro channel stage, said rim portion being substantially thermally isolated from said first micro channel stage and said second micro channel stage, wherein said thermal modulator trapping and focusing gas/vapor species upon said first temperature and releasing said gas/vapor species to said second column upon said second temperature.