Gradient terminology

[JA]

Is there a commonly recognised meaning of the term "ballistic" gradient?

[Uwe Neue]

I am not sure if the term is 100% clear. In principle, it means to execute a gradient very quickly. However, one can do rather useless things like a step gradient or a real gradient over at least 10 column volumes or more at a high flow rate.

[tom jupille]

There is certainly no "official" definition. As Uwe said, commonly used for a rapid gradient (but "rapid" is neither well nor consistently defined). I've always used it to mean a gradient which is at the maximum steepness at which a given instrument can operate.

[JA]

my initial guess was going to be where one had a "full range" organic gradient within 1 column volume, but still, thank you for the replies.