A chromatographic monitor includes an array of flow cells with individual
light sensors that are collectively an array of photodiodes. The output
from the photodiodes are multiplexed. To prevent losing information, the
photodiodes are each connected to a different one of a plurality of
inputs to the multiplexer through a corresponding one of a plurality of
circuits that stores energy during the time the one inlet is not
connected through the multiplexer to the signal processing circuitry that
forms a part of an absorbance monitor. Preferably, the energy storing
circuit is a non-switching circuit with low bandwidth and a flat-topped
response to an impulse. This improves the signal to noise ratio. A one
pole low pass filter with a (1-1/e) Dirac pulse fall time and equal to
the multiplex entire cycle repeat time can perform this function and a
one pole low pass filter provides satisfactory results. Still better
results can be obtained from a three pole, one or two percent overshoot
filter with combined minimum frequency bandwidth and fast rise time. A
rise time equal to 1/2 the multiplex entire cycle.