Electron Capture Detector with Non-Radioactive Electron Source
Erik Bunert,
Ansgar T. Kirk,
Jens Oermann,
Stefan Zimmermann
Affiliations
Erik Bunert
Department of Sensors and Measurement Technology, Institute of Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstr. 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Ansgar T. Kirk
Department of Sensors and Measurement Technology, Institute of Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstr. 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Jens Oermann
Department of Sensors and Measurement Technology, Institute of Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstr. 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Stefan Zimmermann
Department of Sensors and Measurement Technology, Institute of Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Appelstr. 9A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Gas chromatographs equipped with electron capture detectors (ECD) are widely used for the analysis of electron affine substances. Achieving limits of detection in the low pptv-range, electron capture detectors are the most sensitive detectors available for such compounds. Based on their operating principle, they require free electrons at atmospheric pressure, which are usually generated by using a β--decay. However, the use of radioactive materials leads to regulatory restrictions regarding purchase, operation and disposal. Here, we present a new electron capture detector using a non-radioactive electron source, which is not subject to these limitations and offers further advantages such as adjustable and higher electron densities and energies.
