An ionization chamber as a gas sensor: theory of operation

✍ Scribed by Steven A. Milinković; Asim E. Sadibas̆ić; Olga S. Milanko

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 569 KB
• Volume: 294
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0003-2670
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-2670(94)80311-0

✦ Synopsis

In order to explain the operating principle of a simple ionization chamber with an internal radiation source as a sensor for compounds in the vapour phase, calculations of its basic parameters were made. The behavior of the reactant and product ions in a coaxial chamber powered with an alternating current is discussed. By setting the proper operating conditions, the chamber will operate in a resonance mode and produce the greatest change in the total current after formation of less mobile product ions. In an idealized situation, the measuring electrode will collect all reactant ions but none of the product ions. The mean current depends on the concentration of sample molecules, and therefore provides that this device. could be used as a simple but powerful analytical sensor.