Abstract: Described is a non-radioactive homogenous plasma ion source that is power efficient. The non-radioactive plasma ion source comprises an ion source, an ion source housing for retaining the ion source, a gas inlet chamber having a gas conduit connectable to a gas source, at least one planar electrode for forming an electric field, a mounting head for mounting the non-radioactive plasma ion source device to an external device, and a passageway extending across a longitudinal axis of the non-radioactive plasma ion source device for allowing gas to flow therethrough. The gas inlet chamber has an improved design in that the gas inlet chamber comprises one or more openings in a body of the gas inlet chamber, the one or more openings being spaced such that the gas from the gas source is injected uniformly into the passageway.

Abstract: A non-radioactive homogenous plasma ion source that is power efficient with greater electrode life longevity and performance (homogenous low temperature plasma for ion formation, stability, robustness) than alternative non-radioactive ion sources for generating analyte ions of either positive or negative charge. Its compact design minimizes the spacing between electrodes, reducing the power requirements needed to ignite and maintain plasma levels. The non-radioactive plasma ion source generally comprises a housing for retaining a uniquely designed ion source that generates a uniform distribution of plasma to maximize the generation of ions at a lower plasma temperature to minimize undesirable nitrogen oxide and ozone gasses, at least one planar electrode in one embodiment, a mounting head with a gas exhaust, and a chamber with a counterflow gas inlet, and an analyte gas inlet.