Abstract: A high pressure interface device for introducing sample ions to a drift tube, an ion detection means or a mass mobility measurement means, having an ion source ionization region containing an isolated ionization source, a sample introduction port, and a reaction region in which specific sample ion species are formed by reaction of sample molecules with selected ion source ions formed by radioactive bombardment of a sample gas by the ion source ions results in an ionized gaseous sample. When coupled to a ion or mass detection or measurement means, this invention makes possible detection sensitivities of trace sample species in the subparts-per-trillion range, and under proper condition does not need calibration.

Abstract: A high pressure interface device for connecting a gas chromatograph to a mass spectrometer having a high pressure laminar flow, flow tube ion reactor cell containing an isolated ionization source and an axial sample injection port in which specific ion species formed by radioactive bombardment of gas mixture are reacted with gaseous samples to result in an ionized gaseous sample. When coupled to a multistage pumped mass spectrometer, this invention makes possible detection sensitivities of trace sample species in the subparts per trillion range and under proper condition does not need calibration.