Photoionization detector (PID) for detecting gas

Abstract

A photo ionization detector (PID) is disclosed. The PID includes a primary pole and a secondary pole spaced apart from the primary pole. The secondary pole is coupled to a bias voltage source. The secondary pole is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light emitted from at least one UV light source for generating photoinduced electrons. The PID further includes at least one gas port associated with the secondary electrode, the at least one gas port configured to flow a gas between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode for absorbing UV light to alter the generated photoinduced electrons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to gas sensors, and more particularly to photoionization detectors (PIDs) for detecting high ionization energy gases. Background Art

[0002] A photoionization detector (PID) is a type of gas detector that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to measure volatile organic compounds and other gases. Due to the limited ability of UV photons to ionize certain gas molecules, conventional PIDs can only detect a limited number of gas types.

[0003] The inventors have identified many areas for improvement in the prior art and technology, which are the subject of the embodiments described herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been addressed by developing solutions included in the embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a summary of some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is neither intended to identify key or important elements nor to delineate the scope of such elements. It will also be appreciated that, in addition to those embodiments outlined herein, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described in the detailed description presented later.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a photoionization detector (PID) is disclosed. The PID includes a primary electrode and a secondary electrode spaced apart from the primary electrode. The secondary electrode is coupled to a bias voltage source. The secondary electrode is exposed to UV light emitted from at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source to generate photo-induced electrons. The PID further includes at least one gas port associated with the secondary electrode, the at least one gas port being configured to flow a gas between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode to absorb the UV light and thereby modify the generated photo-induced electrons.

[0006] In some embodiments, the secondary electrode is exposed to UV light through one or more openings in the primary electrode. In some embodiments, the light-induced electrons are configured to generate a current based at least on a voltage difference between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode. Furthermore, at least one signal processing circuit is operably coupled to the at least one secondary electrode, wherein the at least one signal processing circuit is configured to receive the current. Furthermore, the at least one signal processing circuit is configured to generate a signal related to a gas concentration based on the received current.

[0007] In some embodiments, the primary pole and the secondary pole are insulated from a plurality of panels disposed horizontally relative to the primary pole and the secondary pole. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels include a first panel disposed below the primary pole, a second panel disposed horizontally between the primary pole and the secondary pole, and a third panel disposed above the secondary pole. Furthermore, at least one gas port is associated with the second panel and the third panel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gas corresponds to a high ionization energy gas. In some embodiments, the at least one UV light source is connected to a high voltage source and corresponds to a UV lamp. In addition, the UV light includes a plurality of photons that are absorbed by the gas to modify the generated photoinduced electrons.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for a photoionization detector (PID) is disclosed. The method includes the steps of exposing a secondary electrode to ultraviolet (UV) light via at least one UV light source to generate photoinduced electrons, wherein the secondary electrode is spaced apart from a primary electrode and coupled to a bias voltage source. Furthermore, the method includes the steps of facilitating the flow of a gas between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode via at least one gas port associated with the secondary electrode to absorb the UV light to modify the generated photoinduced electrons.

[0010] The above summary of the invention is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that in addition to those embodiments summarized here, the scope of the present disclosure also includes many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Having thus generally described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a photoionization detector (PID) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a PID according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of another photoionization detector (PID) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of another PID according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5FIGURES illustrate a circuit in communication with at least one signal processing circuit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Circuit diagram of PID;

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device including a PID according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 7 A flowchart of a PID method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0020] The components illustrated in the various figures represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, such that an embodiment may include fewer or more components than those shown in the various figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For visibility of underlying components, some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed lines.

[0021] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including, but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner in which it is commonly used in a patent context. Use of broader terms such as including, comprising, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and consisting substantially of.

[0022] The phrases "in various embodiments," "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," "in some embodiments," etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0023] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0024] If the specification indicates that a component or feature "may", "could", "might", "should", "will", "preferably", "likely", "typically", "optionally", "for example", "often" or "likely" (or other such language) is included or has a characteristic, the particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that characteristic. In some embodiments, such a component or feature may be optionally included, or may be excluded.

[0025] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a photoionization detector (PID). Embodiments may generate photoinduced electrons by exposing a secondary electrode to ultraviolet (UV) light. Embodiments may facilitate gas flow between a primary electrode and a secondary electrode to absorb the UV light, thereby altering the generated photoinduced electrons. Embodiments may be configured to generate a current based on at least a voltage difference between a primary electrode and a secondary electrode. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to generate a signal related to a gas concentration based on the received current.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a photoionization detector (PID) 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The PID 100 may include a primary electrode 102, a secondary electrode 104, and at least one gas port 106.

[0027] In some embodiments, the secondary pole 104 can be spaced apart from the main pole 102. The secondary pole 104 can be coupled to a bias voltage source (not shown). In one exemplary embodiment, the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104 can correspond to a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode, respectively. In another exemplary embodiment, the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104 can correspond to a negatively charged cathode and a positively charged anode, respectively.

[0028] In some embodiments, the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104 can be insulated from the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can be arranged horizontally relative to the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The plurality of panels can be configured to provide insulation, thermal stability, and protection to the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The plurality of panels can further include a first panel 108, a second panel 110, and a third panel 112. The first panel 108 can be arranged below the main pole 102. The main pole 102 can be attached to the first panel 108. The second panel 110 can be arranged horizontally between the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. In some embodiments, the second panel 110 can separate the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The third panel 112 can be arranged above the secondary pole 104.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sub-electrode 104 can be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light using at least one UV light source (not shown). Figure 5The following description relates to a UV light source. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that UV light comprises a plurality of photons. The UV light can be emitted from at least one UV light source (not shown). The secondary electrode 104 can be exposed to the UV light through one or more openings 114 in the main electrode 102 and the first panel 108, as indicated by arrows 116. Furthermore, the one or more openings 114 can allow the UV light to reach the secondary electrode 104 and the space between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. The secondary electrode 104 can be exposed to the UV light comprising a plurality of photons to generate photoinduced electrons.

[0030] In some embodiments, PID 100 may further include at least one gas port 106. The at least one gas port 106 may be associated with the secondary electrode 104. In some embodiments, the at least one gas port 106 may be associated with the second panel 110 and the third panel 112. Furthermore, the at least one gas port 106 may be configured to facilitate the flow of gas between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104 to absorb multiple photons. In one exemplary embodiment, the gas may correspond to a high ionization energy gas. Furthermore, the gas may modify UV light by absorbing multiple photons. The modified UV light may modify photoinduced electrons.

[0031] In some embodiments, the photoinduced electrons can be configured to generate a current based at least on a voltage difference between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. Furthermore, the gas can alter the generated current by absorbing multiple photons that alter the photoinduced electrons. In one exemplary embodiment, the alteration can correspond to a decrease in the generated current. In another exemplary embodiment, the alteration can correspond to an increase in the generated current. In some embodiments, at least one signal processing circuit (not shown) can be operably coupled to the secondary electrode 104. The at least one signal processing circuit can be configured to receive the current. Thereafter, the at least one signal processing circuit can be configured to generate a signal related to the gas concentration based on the received current.

[0032] Figure 2 An exploded view of a PID 100 is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] As discussed herein, the secondary pole 104 can be exposed to UV light through one or more openings 114 in the main pole 102 and the first panel 108. Furthermore, the one or more openings 114 can allow UV light to reach the secondary pole 104 and the space 200 between the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. In some embodiments, the space 200 can be a cavity in the second panel 110. The first panel 108 and the main pole 102 can include one or more openings 114 to allow the secondary pole to be exposed to UV light. In some embodiments, the one or more openings 114 can correspond to seven openings in the first panel 108 and the main pole 102, respectively. In some embodiments, the number of the one or more openings 114 can be increased or decreased based on the components of the PID 100.

[0034] In addition, if Figure 1 As discussed in the foregoing, at least one gas port 106 can be associated with the secondary electrode 104, the second panel 110, and the third panel 112. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one gas port in the secondary electrode 104, the second panel 110, and the third panel 112 can be two gas ports. In some embodiments, the second panel 110 can include a space 200 between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104 for generating photoinduced electrons.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of openings and gas ports may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another photoionization detector (PID) 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The PID 300 may include a primary electrode 302 , a secondary electrode 304 , and at least one gas port 306 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the secondary pole 304 can be spaced apart from the main pole 302. The secondary pole 304 can be coupled to a bias voltage source (not shown). In one exemplary embodiment, the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304 can correspond to a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode, respectively. In another exemplary embodiment, the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304 can correspond to a negatively charged cathode and a positively charged anode, respectively.

[0038] In some embodiments, the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304 can be insulated from the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can be arranged horizontally relative to the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304. The plurality of panels can be configured to provide insulation, thermal stability, and protection to the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304. The plurality of panels can further include a first panel 308, a second panel 310, and a third panel 312. The first panel 308 can be arranged below the main pole 302. The main pole 302 can be attached to the first panel 308. The second panel 310 can be arranged horizontally between the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304. In some embodiments, the second panel 310 can separate the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304. The third panel 312 can be arranged above the secondary pole 304.

[0039] In some embodiments, the secondary electrode 304 can be exposed to UV light using at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source (not shown). Figure 5 The following description relates to a UV light source. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that UV light comprises a plurality of photons. The UV light can be emitted from at least one UV light source (not shown). The secondary electrode 304 is exposed to the UV light through one or more openings 314 in the main electrode 302 and the first panel 308, as indicated by arrows 316. Furthermore, the one or more openings 314 can allow the UV light to reach the secondary electrode 304 and the space between the main electrode 302 and the secondary electrode 304. The secondary electrode 304 can be exposed to the UV light comprising a plurality of photons to generate photoinduced electrons.

[0040] In some embodiments, PID 100 may further include at least one gas port 306. The at least one gas port 306 may be associated with the secondary electrode 304. In some embodiments, the at least one gas port 306 may be associated with the third panel 312. Furthermore, the at least one gas port 306 may be configured to facilitate the flow of gas between the primary electrode 302 and the secondary electrode 304 to absorb multiple photons. In one exemplary embodiment, the gas may correspond to a high ionization energy gas. Furthermore, the gas may modify UV light by absorbing multiple photons. The modified UV light may modify photoinduced electrons.

[0041] In some embodiments, the photoinduced electrons can be configured to generate a current based at least on a voltage difference between the primary electrode 302 and the secondary electrode 304. Furthermore, the gas can alter the generated current by absorbing multiple photons that alter the photoinduced electrons. In one exemplary embodiment, the alteration can correspond to a decrease in the generated current. In another exemplary embodiment, the alteration can correspond to an increase in the generated current. In some embodiments, at least one signal processing circuit (not shown) can be operably coupled to the secondary electrode 304. The at least one signal processing circuit can be configured to receive the current. Thereafter, the at least one signal processing circuit can be configured to generate a signal related to the gas concentration based on the received current.

[0042] Figure 4 Illustrated is an exploded view of another PID 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] As discussed herein, the secondary pole 304 can be exposed to UV light through one or more openings 314 in the main pole 302 and the first panel 308. Furthermore, the one or more openings 314 can allow UV light to reach the secondary pole 304 and the space 400 between the main pole 302 and the secondary pole 304. The first panel 308 and the main pole 302 can include one or more openings 314 to allow the secondary pole to be exposed to UV light. In one example embodiment, the one or more openings 314 can correspond to seven openings in the first panel 308 and the main pole 302, respectively. In some embodiments, the number of the one or more openings 314 can be increased or decreased based on the components of the PID 300.

[0044] In addition, if Figure 1 As discussed in the foregoing, at least one gas port 306 can be associated with the secondary electrode 304, the second panel 310, and the third panel 312. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one gas port in the secondary electrode 304, the second panel 310, and the third panel 312 can be two gas ports. In some embodiments, the second panel 310 can include a space 400 between the primary electrode 302 and the secondary electrode 304 for generating photoinduced electrons.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of openings and gas ports may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] In some embodiments, PID 100 and PID 300 may have the same functionality without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 5 A PID 100 is illustrated in communication with at least one signal processing circuit 500 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] like Figure 1As discussed in , the secondary pole 104 can be coupled to a bias voltage source 502. The bias voltage source 502 can facilitate the ionization process to generate photoinduced electrons and gas detection. In addition, the secondary pole 104 can be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light can be emitted from at least one UV light source 504. In addition, the at least one UV light source 504 can be connected to a high voltage source 506. In an example embodiment, the at least one UV light source 504 can correspond to a UV lamp. In addition, the secondary pole 104 can be exposed to UV light through one or more openings 114 in the main pole 102 and the first panel 108. In addition, the one or more openings 114 can allow UV light to reach the secondary pole 104 and the space between the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104 for generating photoinduced electrons.

[0049] In some embodiments, the PID 100 may further include at least one gas port 106. The at least one gas port 106 may be associated with the secondary electrode 104. Furthermore, the at least one gas port 106 may be configured to allow gas to flow between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104 to absorb multiple photons. In one embodiment, the gas may correspond to a high ionization energy gas. Furthermore, the gas may modify UV light by absorbing multiple photons. The modified UV light may modify photoinduced electrons. In some embodiments, the at least one gas port 106 may be associated with the second panel 110 and the third panel 112.

[0050] In some embodiments, the photoinduced electrons can be configured to generate a current based at least on a voltage difference between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. Furthermore, the gas can modify the generated current by absorbing multiple photons that modify the photoinduced electrons. In some embodiments, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 can be configured to receive the modified current. Furthermore, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 can be configured to generate a signal related to the gas concentration based on the received modified current. Furthermore, the generated signal can be configured to send a notification on one or more user devices (not shown) to alert one or more users to the gas concentration.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the concentration of the gas can be determined based on at least a formula. In one example, it is assumed that I1 is a photon-induced current caused by UV light, and the intensity of I1 is S1. When there is a high ionization energy gas input, part of the UV light will be absorbed. In addition, it is assumed that P1 is the absorption rate, which is a function of the gas concentration Cgas. In a simple case, P1 = K2*Cgas1. K2 is an exponent. The exponent may be different for different gases. Then, based on the formula I1 = k1*S1(1-P1) = k1*S1(1-k2*Cgas1), the concentration of the gas can be determined as Cgas1 = (1-I1 / k1*S1) / k2.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one signal processing circuit 500 may include multiple components to generate a signal. The multiple components may include a capacitor C1, a resistor R1, a resistor R2, a resistor R3, and a comparator U1 to generate a signal based on the received current. Based on the received current, the signal may be correlated with the gas concentration.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments, PID 300 may be coupled with at least one signal processing circuit 500 and at least one UV light source 504. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned components of PID 100 and PID 300 are provided for illustration purposes only without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 6 A block diagram of a device 600 including PID 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Device 600 may include PID 100, at least one processor 602, memory 604, input / output circuitry 606, communication circuitry 608, and at least one signal processing circuit 500.

[0055] In some embodiments, PID 100 may include a main electrode 102 and a secondary electrode 104 spaced apart from the main electrode 102. The secondary electrode 104 may be exposed to UV light emitted from at least one UV light source 504 to generate photoinduced electrons. PID 100 further includes at least one gas port 106 associated with the secondary electrode 104. The at least one gas port 106 is configured to allow a gas to flow between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104 to absorb multiple photons. In one exemplary embodiment, the gas may correspond to a high ionization energy gas. Furthermore, the gas may modify the UV light by absorbing multiple photons. The modified UV light may modify the photoinduced electrons.

[0056] In some embodiments, the photoinduced electrons can be configured to generate a current based at least on a voltage difference between the primary electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. Furthermore, the gas can modify the generated current by absorbing multiple photons that modify the photoinduced electrons. In some embodiments, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 can be configured to receive the modified current. Furthermore, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 can be configured to generate a signal related to the gas concentration based on the received modified current. Furthermore, the generated signal can be configured to transmit a notification on one or more user devices 610, the notification including the gas concentration.

[0057] In addition, the device 600 may include at least one processor 602. The at least one processor 602 may be configured to receive a signal related to the gas concentration based on the received altered current. The at least one processor 602 may be configured to analyze the received signal to determine the concentration of the gas. In some embodiments, the at least one processor 602 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces that are operable to execute one or more instructions stored in the memory 604 to perform predetermined operations. In one embodiment, the at least one processor 602 may be configured to decode and execute any instructions received from one or more other electronic devices or (one or more) servers. The at least one processor 602 may be configured to execute one or more computer-readable program instructions, such as program instructions that implement any of the functions described in this specification. In addition, the processor may be implemented using one or more processor technologies known in the art. Examples of processors include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., or AMD microprocessors) and / or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors or System on a chip (SOC) Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Processor).

[0058] Furthermore, memory 604 can be communicatively coupled to at least one processor 602. Furthermore, memory 604 can be configured to store instructions and data sets for execution by at least one processor 602. Furthermore, memory 604 can include one or more instructions executable by at least one processor 602 to perform specific operations. In some embodiments, memory 604 can be configured to include one or more instructions for receiving a signal related to gas concentration based on the received altered current. Furthermore, memory 604 can be configured to include one or more instructions for analyzing the received signal to determine the gas concentration. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the one or more instructions stored in memory 604 enable device 600 to perform predetermined operations. Some well-known memory implementations include, but are not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs) and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories such as ROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other types of media / machine-readable media suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0059] In some embodiments, device 600 may further include input / output circuitry 606. Input / output circuitry 606 may enable a user to communicate or interface with PID 100 via one or more user devices 610. One or more user devices 610 may include N user devices. In some embodiments, input / output circuitry 606 may serve as a medium for transmitting input from an interface to and from device 600. In some embodiments, input / output circuitry 606 may refer to hardware and software components that facilitate information exchange between one or more user devices 610 and device 600. In one example, device 600 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) (not shown) as input circuitry to allow one or more users to input data. Input / output circuitry 606 may include various input devices, such as a keyboard, barcode scanner, or GUI, for one or more users to provide data, as well as various output devices, such as a display or printer, for one or more users to receive data. In another example, input / output circuitry 606 may include various output circuitry, such as a display for indicating gas concentration.

[0060] In some embodiments, device 600 may further include communication circuitry 608. Communication circuitry 608 may allow device 600 and PID 100 to exchange data or information with other systems or devices. Furthermore, communication circuitry 608 may include network interfaces, protocols, and software modules responsible for sending and receiving data or information. In some embodiments, communication circuitry 608 may include an Ethernet port, a Wi-Fi adapter, or communication protocols such as HTTP or MQTT for connecting to other systems. Communication circuitry 608 may allow device 600 to maintain up-to-date and accurate tracking of gas concentrations.

[0061] In some embodiments, the device 600 can be communicatively coupled to one or more user devices 610 via a network 612. The network 612 can facilitate a communication link between the device 600 and the one or more user devices 610. In some embodiments, the network 612 can further facilitate a communication link between other components of the device 600. In addition, the network 612 can be a wireless network and / or a wired network. The network 612 can be implemented using one or more communication technologies. The one or more communication technologies can be radio waves, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-wave, and other communication technologies known in the art.

[0062] In some embodiments, one or more user devices 610 may allow one or more users to send one or more commands, i.e., input commands, to the device 600 to determine gas concentration. The one or more input commands may include, but are not limited to, checking the concentration, reducing the gas flow, or executing a command "script" with varying time intervals to determine the concentration at the time interval. In some embodiments, the one or more user devices 610 may include a smartphone, a tablet device, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), or a smartwatch.

[0063] In some embodiments, the device 600 may correspond to at least one of a portable gas detector, an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor, a gas chromatograph, or any other device known in the art for determining gas concentration using the PID 100. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned components of the device 600 are provided for illustration purposes only without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 7 Illustrated is a flow chart of a method 700 for the PID 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] In operation 702, the secondary pole 104 is exposed to UV light via at least one UV light source 504. The secondary pole 104 can be spaced apart from the main pole 102. The secondary pole 104 can be exposed to the UV light through one or more openings 114 in the main pole 102. In some embodiments, the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104 can be fixed and insulated from a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can be arranged horizontally relative to the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The plurality of panels can be configured to provide insulation, thermal stability, and protection to the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104.

[0066] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels may further include a first panel 108, a second panel 110, and a third panel 112. The first panel 108 may be disposed below the main pole 102. The main pole 102 may be attached to the first panel 108. The second panel 110 may be disposed horizontally between the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The second panel 110 may separate the main pole 102 and the secondary pole 104. The third panel 112 may be disposed above the secondary pole 104.

[0067] In operation 704, photoinduced electrons are generated in the secondary electrode 104. The secondary electrode 104 can be exposed to UV light including multiple photons to generate photoinduced electrons. The photoinduced electrons can generate a voltage difference between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. In operation 706, due to the generated photoinduced electrons, a current is generated based on at least the voltage difference between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104. In operation 708, gas is promoted to flow between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104 via at least one gas port 106 associated with the secondary electrode 104. In some embodiments, the gas can correspond to a high ionization energy gas. For example, carbonyl sulfide (COS) gas is promoted between the main electrode 102 and the secondary electrode 104.

[0068] In operation 710, UV light is absorbed by the gas to modify the generated photoinduced electrons, thereby reducing the current. In some embodiments, the gas may modify the UV light by absorbing multiple photons of UV light. In one exemplary embodiment, the modification may correspond to a reduction in photoinduced electrons. In another exemplary embodiment, the modification may correspond to an increase in photoinduced electrons. For example, COS gas absorbs multiple photons of UV light to reduce the generated photoinduced electrons, thereby reducing the current. In operation 712, a current is received via at least one signal processing circuit 500 operably coupled to the secondary electrode 104. For example, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 receives a reduced current. In operation 714, a signal related to the gas concentration is generated via the at least one signal processing circuit 500 based on the received current. In some embodiments, the signal based on the received current may be related to the gas concentration. For example, the at least one signal processing circuit 500 generates a signal related to the COS gas concentration based on the received reduced current.

[0069] The present disclosure relates to the use of a PID to determine gas concentrations. The PID is exposed to UV light to generate photoinduced electrons for high ionization energy gas detection. The PID integrates a photoinduced electron generator with a bias voltage. The PID provides fast response times in applications where rapid detection of hazardous substances is critical, such as in emergency response situations. The PID allows for the detection of low concentrations of gases, making it valuable in applications where even trace amounts of certain substances may be of concern. The PID allows for easy use in field applications, environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, and emergency response.

[0070] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate the many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings have described example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions different from the elements and / or functions explicitly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are only used in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A photoionization detector (PID), comprising: main pole; a secondary electrode spaced apart from the primary electrode and coupled to a bias voltage source, wherein the secondary electrode is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light emitted from at least one UV light source for generating photoinduced electrons; and At least one gas port associated with the secondary electrode is configured to flow a gas between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode for absorbing UV light to modify the generated photoinduced electrons.

2. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 1, wherein The secondary pole is exposed to UV light through one or more openings in the primary pole.

3. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 1, wherein The photoinduced electrons are configured to generate a current based on at least a voltage difference between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode.

4. The photoionization detector (PID) of claim 3 , further comprising at least one signal processing circuit operatively coupled to the at least one secondary electrode, wherein the at least one signal processing circuit is configured to receive the current.

5. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 4, wherein The at least one signal processing circuit is configured to generate a signal related to gas concentration based on the received current.

6. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 1, wherein The main pole and the secondary pole are insulated from a plurality of panels disposed horizontally relative to the main pole and the secondary pole.

7. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 6, wherein The plurality of panels include: a first panel disposed below the main pole; a second panel disposed horizontally between the primary pole and the secondary pole; and The third panel is arranged above the secondary pole.

8. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 7, wherein The at least one gas port is associated with the second panel and the third panel.

9. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 1, wherein The gas corresponds to a high ionization energy gas.

10. The photoionization detector (PID) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one UV light source is connected to a high voltage source and corresponds to a UV lamp, wherein the UV light includes a plurality of photons that are absorbed by the gas to alter the generated photoinduced electrons.

11. A method for a photoionization detector (PID), the method comprising: exposing the secondary electrode to ultraviolet (UV) light via at least one UV light source to generate photoinduced electrons, wherein the secondary electrode is spaced apart from the primary electrode and coupled to a bias voltage source; A gas flow is facilitated between the primary and secondary electrodes via at least one gas port associated with the secondary electrode for absorbing UV light to modify the generated photoinduced electrons.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The secondary pole is exposed to UV light through one or more openings in the primary pole.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The photoinduced electrons are configured to generate a current based on at least a voltage difference between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The current is received via at least one signal processing circuit operatively coupled to the secondary.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising generating a signal related to gas concentration based on the received current via the at least one signal processing circuit.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein The main pole and the secondary pole are insulated from a plurality of panels disposed horizontally relative to the main pole and the secondary pole.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of panels include: a first panel disposed below the main pole; a second panel disposed horizontally between the primary pole and the secondary pole; and The third panel is arranged above the secondary pole.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The at least one gas port is associated with the second panel and the third panel.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein The gas corresponds to a high ionization energy gas.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein The at least one UV light source is connected to a high voltage source and corresponds to a UV lamp, wherein the UV light includes a plurality of photons that are absorbed by the gas to alter the generated photoinduced electrons.

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