Abstract: A channel assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a microfluidic channel. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed as are detectors and detector components which may comprise such a channel assembly. An example is a detection apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a substance of interest; and a pneumatic system comprising a microfluidic channel assembly comprising a first microfluidic channel for dispensing vapour to the detector, wherein the first microfluidic channel comprises a groove in a surface of a polymer body and a wall of the first channel is provided by a film bonded to the surface of the body over the groove.

Abstract: A channel assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a microfluidic channel. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed as are detectors and detector components which may comprise such a channel assembly. An example is a detection apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a substance of interest; and a pneumatic system comprising a microfluidic channel assembly comprising a first microfluidic channel for dispensing vapour to the detector, wherein the first microfluidic channel comprises a groove in a surface of a polymer body and a wall of the first channel is provided by a film bonded to the surface of the body over the groove.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer (1) or other detection apparatus has an external dopant reservoir (22, 41, 24, 44) connected to it. The reservoir has a stainless steel base (22) with a recess (24), a heater (28) and a temperature sensor (32). The heater (28) and sensor (32) are connected to a feedback temperature control (3) to maintain a constant temperature of liquid dopant (100) in the recess (24). A lid (41) is sealed around the upper surface (23) of the base (22) and supports opposite ends of a length of vapour-permeable tubing (51) that is bent down so that a part of its length is immersed in the dopant. One end of the tubing (51) is connected with the IMS (1) and the other end opens externally so that air can be supplied along the tubing to the IMS and collect dopant vapour passed through the wall of the tubing.

Abstract: A molecular sieve (20) for an IMS is formed of a solid block (24) of zeolite within a closely fitting housing (21). The block (24) has multiple passages (25) to (28) through which gas can flow along the block. The block (24) may be made by casting or extrusion and the sieve material may include a dopant.