Sensitive Selective Gas Chromatography Detector Based on Emission Spectrometry of Organic Compounds

Abstract

A gas chromatography detector has been developed which is based on monitoring the intensity of the electronic emission spectra of the eluted organic compounds in an argon carrier gas. The spectra are excited in the plasma of a 2450-Mc. electrodeless discharge and detected photoelectrically in the ultraviolet-visible region. The detector sensitivity is 2 × 10-16 gram of hexane per second. By choosing the wavelength of various atomic lines and molecular bands, a degree of selectivity can be obtained. The system can be sensitized to the halogens, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as permanent gases. The detector has a high sensitivity and selectivity, a small volume, rapid response, and a wide dynamic range. © 1965, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.