Abstract: A system and method for providing a pulsed atmospheric source of ions for chemical analysis includes a chamber containing a pair of electrodes and a second chamber with the sample gas. A narrow pulse of high voltage is applied between the electrodes to form an arc which emits ultraviolet light directly into the sample gas chamber through an aperture connecting the chambers. The ultraviolet photons ionize the sample gas and the resultant sample gas ions are then swept into a chemical detector by an electric field.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a pulsed atmospheric source of ions for chemical analysis includes a chamber containing a pair of electrodes and a second chamber with the sample gas. A narrow pulse of high voltage is applied between the electrodes to form an arc which emits ultraviolet light directly into the sample gas chamber through an aperture connecting the chambers. The ultraviolet photons ionize the sample gas and the resultant sample gas ions are then swept into a chemical detector by an electric field.

Abstract: Vapor concentrators are used to provide a higher concentration of trace target vapor than would normally be available in the environment. This is accomplished by allowing the trace target vapor to adsorb onto a concentrating surface and subsequently releasing the trace target vapor by heating the surface. An improved desorbing method is providing by a fast pulse of photons, which only heats the near surface region, rather than the entire mass of the substrate on which the concentrating surface resides. Since all of the trace target vapor is released in a short time interval, the vapor is less diluted by carrier gas than would occur during the slower temperature ramp that results when the entire substrate mass is heated. A more highly concentrated target vapor is produced with less input of energy.

Abstract: The presence of trace molecules in air is often determined using high sensitivity gas sensing instruments, such as an ion mobility spectrometer. Such devices are commonly utilized in the fields of explosives detection, identification of narcotics, and in applications characterized by the presence of very low airborne concentrations of organic molecules of special interest. The sensitivity of such instruments is dependent on the concentration of target gas in the sample. The sampling efficiency can be greatly improved when the target object is warmed, even by only a few degrees. A directed emission of photons in the range between infrared and ultraviolet light can be used to significantly enhance vapor emission.

Abstract: Vapor concentrators are used to provide a higher concentration of trace target vapor than would normally be available in the environment. This is accomplished by allowing the trace target vapor to adsorb onto a concentrating surface and subsequently releasing the trace target vapor by heating the surface. An improved desorbing method is providing by a fast pulse of photons, which only heats the near surface region, rather than the entire mass of the substrate on which the concentrating surface resides. Since all of the trace target vapor is released in a short time interval, the vapor is less diluted by carrier gas than would occur during the slower temperature ramp that results when the entire substrate mass is heated. A more highly concentrated target vapor is produced with less input of energy.

Abstract: An explosive detection system detects the presence of trace molecules in air. The sensitivity of such instruments is dependent on the concentration of target gas in the sample. The sampling efficiency can be greatly improved when the target object is warmed, even by only a few degrees. A directed emission of photons, typically infrared or visible light, can be used to significantly enhance vapor emission. The sensitivity of such instruments is also dependent on the method of gas sampling utilized. A cyclone sampling nozzle can greatly improve the sampling efficiency, particularly when the sampling needs to be performed at a distance from the air intake.

Abstract: An explosive detection system detects the presence of trace molecules in air. The sensitivity of such instruments is dependent on the concentration of target gas in the sample. The sampling efficiency can be greatly improved when the target object is warmed, even by only a few degrees. A directed emission of photons, typically infrared or visible light, can be used to significantly enhance vapor emission. The sensitivity of such instruments is also dependent on the method of gas sampling utilized. A cyclone sampling nozzle can greatly improve the sampling efficiency, particularly when the sampling needs to be performed at a distance from the air intake.