Abstract: A microliter-sized metastable ionization device with a cavity, a sample gas inlet, a corona gas inlet and a gas outlet. A first electrode has a hollow and disposed in the cavity and is in fluid communication with the sample gas inlet. A second electrode is in fluid communication with the corona gas inlet and is disposed around the first electrode adjacent the hollow end thereof. A gap forming means forms a corona gap between the first and second electrodes. A first power supply is connected to the first electrode and the second power supply is connected to the second electrode for generating a corona discharge across the corona gap. A collector has a hollow end portion disposed in the cavity which is in fluid communications with the gas outlet for the outgassing and detection of ionized gases. The first electrode can be a tubular member aligned concentrically with a cylindrical second electrode. The gap forming means can be in annular disc projecting radially inwardly from the cylindrical second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion mobility spectrometer sensor apparatus which is in a hermetically sealed housing, utilizing a drift gas for the determination of trace contaminants in a carrier gas, including a container for a sample gas containing an analyte the concentration of which is to be determined, means for purifying the sample gas to produce the carrier gas from it, the means for purifying being hermetically connected from the container through a metallic pipe, a source for the purified drift gas which may be the same or different than the carrier gas, an ion mobility spectrometer sensor having a carrier gas entrance and a drift gas entrance and a gas exit, the ion mobility spectrometer sensor being hermetically connected by a metallic pipe from the purifying means and from the source of the drift gas, a back diffusion trap is hermetically connected from the gas exit, and a signal readout is electrically and hermetically connected from the ion mobility spectrometer sensor for electrically sen

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection and identification of the presence of chosen molecules, typically toxic or contraband located within sealed luggage and the like, comprises subjecting the sealed luggage to a process whereby a portion of the enclosed atmosphere within the luggage is extracted and combined with the surrounding atmosphere in a closed chamber. The extracted, combined sample is passed to a collector, typically a molecule adsorber, which concentrates the chosen molecules by collection on a collecting surface. After the end of a collection period, the adsorbed molecules are released from the surface and passed to an identifier, such as an ion mobility spectrometer. By use of appropriate collection and valving elements, analysis can be accomplished quickly and accurately for a large number of luggage items or the like subject to examination.