Abstract
Described are multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) systems and methods of performing MDLC. The MDLC systems includes valve configurations that enable a flow containing analytes in the eluent of a first dimension liquid chromatography system to be modulated such that the analytes can be captured in fluidic loops and subsequently provided to a second dimension liquid chromatography system. Various system embodiments are provided in a smaller instrument size, include an option to use the same detector for both first and second dimensions, enable improvement in valve timing operations and provide a reduction in the magnitude and effects of pressure pulses. In addition, the modulator can enable dilution of the analytes and enable incompatible mobile phases and mobile phase flow rates to be used in the first and second dimensions.