Lenterra developed a miniature analytical instrument which combines the advantages of fast gas chromatography (GC) and a detector that is capable of sample identification independently from the GC retention time.

A general demand from the end-used is for an instrument that is smaller in size, cheaper in price, and versatile in functionality. A combination of a short-column fast-chromatographic separation technique with a simple and rugged detector capable of identifying unknown species is an ideal instrument for modern analytical needs.

A new technology of Penning Ionization Electron Spectroscopy in plasma (PIES) relies on the measurement of the energy of electrons liberated by Penning ionization collisions between analyte molecules and helium metastable atoms in the afterglow of a gas discharge. Since the energy of Penning electrons is specific to the species, the resultant data can be used to identify gas components and measure its concentration. No optics or high vacuum is required in PIES technology, and the spectra are recorded using a collector electrode placed into a glow discharge cell. A PIES/GC detector generates 3D spectra as those given in the figures.

Ability to quantify coeluting GC peaks based on unique spectrum signature, independent of GC retention time significantly reduced the requirements for accurate temperature and flow control in GC column. The analytical platform based on PIES technology (APP) is a combination of a miniature GC column and a PIES detector working in isothermal mode thus reducing the size of the GC element and providing the opportunity of the realization of the APP/gas analyzer on a single chip.


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