US 12,451,343 B2
Photoionization detector having improved gain and reduced humidity sensitivity
Charles R. Willcox, Hopkins, MN (US); David J. Jennings, Edina, MN (US); and Christopher T. Fields, Coon Rapids, MN (US)
Assigned to MOCON, INC., Brooklyn Park, MN (US)
Filed by Mocon, Inc., BrookyIn Park, MN (US)
Filed on Sep. 25, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/473,539.
Application 18/473,539 is a continuation in part of application No. 18/176,624, filed on Mar. 1, 2023, granted, now 12,146,854.
Prior Publication US 2024/0297034 A1, Sep. 5, 2024
Int. Cl. H01J 61/067 (2006.01); G01N 27/66 (2006.01); G01N 30/02 (2006.01); G01N 30/64 (2006.01); G01N 30/70 (2006.01); G01N 33/00 (2006.01)
CPC H01J 61/0672 (2013.01) [G01N 27/66 (2013.01); G01N 30/70 (2013.01); G01N 2030/025 (2013.01); G01N 2030/642 (2013.01); G01N 33/0047 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A planar photoionization detector, the photoionization detector comprising:
a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons; and
a sensor comprised of
at least a plate, the plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, an electrically insulating substrate, and at least one opening for UV light to pass through, and
electrically conductive patterns on the top and bottom surfaces, including at least
a negative electrical potential pattern on one of the top or the bottom surface, and
an electron collecting electrode pattern on the other of the top or the bottom surface,
wherein
an interior portion of the negative electrical potential pattern is at least a first distance away from every edge of the at least one opening, and
the electron collecting electrode pattern substantially fills an area surrounding the opening such that the negative electrical potential pattern and the electron collecting electrode pattern are offset relative to each other.