Automation of the development process in the normal or sandwich configuration is possible using an automatic developing chamber, Fig. 7 [26,30]. The preconditioning step, addition and removal of mobile phase from the chamber, the mobile phase migration distance, and postchromatographic drying conditions are select able from a microprocessor-based control unit or through software control. Solvent is automatically added to the development chamber and development occurs under controlled conditions in the usual way. A diode array optical sensor monitors Fig.