Pulsed UV Ion Source Using Arc Discharge for Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion sources for chemical detectors, such as radioactive, X-ray, photoelectric, and corona sources, face issues like high costs, limited lifetimes, inefficiencies in producing both positive and negative ions, and sensitivity to discharge path, which affect the reliability and effectiveness of ionization in chemical detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed atmospheric ion source is developed using a first chamber with electrically conducting electrodes to generate a pulsed arc producing ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes a sample gas in a separate chamber through optical communication, with an electric field sweeping the ions to a chemical analysis device, utilizing noble or refractory metals and controlled high voltage pulses for enhanced ion production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radioactive source is used for ionization, then ion production is reliable, but disposal cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived radioactive sources with inexpensive, short-lived electrical discharge sources. The electrical discharge ionization source can be easily replaced or reset by simply applying voltage, eliminating the need for expensive radioactive material disposal procedures while maintaining reliable ion production during the operational lifetime of the device.
2Reliability
If an X-ray source is used for ionization, then ion production is achieved, but lifetime is limited and replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray tubes with inexpensive electrical discharge sources that have no limited lifetime components. The electrical discharge source consists of simple electrodes that can operate indefinitely as long as power is supplied, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of expensive X-ray tubes while maintaining continuous ion production capability.
3Reliability
If a photoelectric ion source is used, then ionization is achieved, but production of both positive and negative ions is not readily possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical discharge sources where the polarity can be dynamically switched between positive and negative by changing the voltage polarity. This allows the same physical source to produce both positive ions (when positive voltage is applied) and negative ions (when negative voltage is applied), providing versatility that photoelectric sources cannot achieve without separate dedicated sources for each ion type.
4Reliability
If ultraviolet lamps are used for ionization, then ion production is achieved, but size increases due to UV-transmitting envelope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ionization function from the bulky UV lamp structure by using electrical discharge sources that generate UV radiation directly within a compact electrode assembly. This eliminates the need for large UV-transmitting envelopes and associated mounting structures, reducing the overall ion source volume while maintaining effective ion production through the electrical discharge mechanism.
5Reliability
If ultraviolet lamp envelopes are used, then UV radiation is contained, but static charge accumulates affecting nearby electric field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the UV lamp envelope entirely by using electrical discharge sources that generate UV radiation in open air or controlled gas environments. This eliminates the insulating envelope that would accumulate static charge, allowing the electric field required for ion extraction and detection to remain undisturbed while still containing the UV radiation through controlled discharge geometry and atmosphere.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides a reliable and efficient production of ions with improved long-term operational reliability and balanced production of positive and negative ions, reducing the limitations of previous ion sources and enhancing chemical detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse of high voltage electricity may be triggered across the gap to form a pulsed arc within the first chamber. The sample gas in the second chamber may be ionized using the ultraviolet radiation produced by the pulsed arc in the first chamber.
Implementation Method 2
An electric field may be provided to sweep the resultant sample gas ions from the second chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a pulsed atmospheric source of ions for chemical analysis includes a chamber containing a pair of electrodes and a second chamber with the sample gas. A narrow pulse of high voltage is applied between the electrodes to form an arc which emits ultraviolet light directly into the sample gas chamber through an aperture connecting the chambers. The ultraviolet photons ionize the sample gas and the resultant sample gas ions are then swept into a chemical detector by an electric field.