Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer, ionization detector and mass spectrometer is described having a reaction region, and a region for introducing a sample gas, liquid or solid samples into the reaction region and an electrolyte in the reaction region of an alkali salt heated to a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature to 1000.degree. C., to provide a chemical reaction between the alkali atoms, cations or complement anions with the sample to provide product ions. The invention provides a non-radioactive ionization source for ionization of a broad class of compounds.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is described for detecting sample gas in a carrier gas incorporating a block of ceramic material having a passageway wherein the passageway contains an ionization source, a resistive material on the walls of the passageway prior to and after a shutter grid to form a reaction region and drift region respectively, an aperture grid and a collector. A radioactive or non-radioactive ionization source may be inserted into one end of the passageway while the aperture grid and collector may be inserted into the other end and rigidly positioned with respect to the block of ceramic material. The invention simplifies the exchange of the ionization sources where it may be either radioactive or non-radioactive, and improves the assembling and sealing of the ion mobility spectrometer cell.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer, ionization detector and mass spectrometer is described having a reaction region, and means for introducing a sample gas, liquid or solid samples into the reaction region and an electrolyte in the reaction region of an alkali salt heated to a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature to 1000.degree. C., to provide a chemical reaction between the alkali atoms, cations or complement anions with the sample to provide product ions. The invention provides a non-radioactive ionization source and provides a means for ionization of a broad class of compounds.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is described incorporating a sensing electrode, a reference electrode, a solid matrix containing an alkali salt, a potentiostat and a heater. The invention overcomes the problem of a liquid electrolyte which may operate over limited environmental conditions.

Abstract: A gas tight cell receives an unmetered stream of sample gas. The cell is divided into a reaction chamber, as drift chamber and an ion collector chamber by transverse shutter grids normally carrying an ion repellent charge. The inlet of a chromatograph analytical column is connected to the outlet of the cell ion collector chamber. Inert gas admitted to the ion collector chamber is divided into a drift gas stream and into an oppositely directed carrier gas stream. The drift gas flows from the collector chamber through the drift chamber and out the reaction chamber. The carrier gas flows from the collector chamber through a deionizer into the chromatograph column. An electrostatic field urges sample gas ions from the reaction chamber toward the ion collection chamber. The ions are blocked from entering or exiting from the intervening drift chamber by the charge on the shutter grids.