A microwave-induced plasma (MIP) sustained In helium Is evaluated as an element-selective detector for capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The plasma source, a surface-mlcrowave-lnduced plasma (surfatron), Is described. Optimal plasma conditions Including viewing position, helium flow rate, and applied microwave power are discussed for sulfur emission In the near-infrared spectral region. In addition, the effects of two common mobile phases (C02 and N20) on plasma stability, sensitivity, and spectral background from 200 to 1100 nm are assessed. Although the plasma was evaluated principally for use with SFC, much of the discussion Is relevant to Its application as a gas chromatographic detector.Capillary gas chromatography (GC) and capillary liquid chromatography (LC) possess inherent liabilities that make them unsuitable for many types of separations. The former is ultimately restricted by the limited volatility and thermal lability of many organic compounds. The latter is restricted