✅ 1. Detector-related causes:
Lamp instability: UV or DAD detectors depend on a stable light source; an aging or unstable lamp will cause noise.
Detector cell contamination: Dirty flow cell → light scattering → increased noise.
Temperature fluctuations inside the detector (especially in refractive index detectors).
✅ 2. Mobile phase-related causes:
Impurities in solvents: Even high-purity solvents may contain UV-absorbing impurities.
Air bubbles: Entrained gases passing through the detector cause spikes or drifting noise.
Incomplete degassing of mobile phase.
✅ 3. System-related causes:
Pump pulsation: Mechanical inconsistencies cause pressure and flow fluctuations → noise.
Leaks or loose fittings → flow instability → noisy baseline.
Column issues: Damaged or contaminated columns may cause unstable baseline.