Patent Description:
Applicant has identified many technical challenges and difficulties associated with gas sensors. For example, many gas sensors are plagued with technical issues and difficulties such as, but not limited to, low accuracies and high baseline value.

Photoionization detectors are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The invention relates to a photoionization detector as set out in independent claim <NUM>. Various embodiments are further defined in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

In accordance with the invention, the photoionization detector comprises an insulation spacer component comprising ultraviolet radiation shielding material and a signal collection electrode component disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component. The signal collection electrode component comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is disposed between the insulation spacer component and the second electrode layer. A second layer electrode width associated with the second electrode layer is smaller than a first layer electrode width associated with the first electrode layer.

The first electrode layer defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings. The first layer electrode width corresponds to a width of the first electrode layer between two of the plurality of first electrode layer openings.

The second electrode layer defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings. The second layer electrode width corresponds to a width of the second electrode layer between two of the plurality of second electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, the example photoionization detector further comprises a bias voltage electrode component disposed on a second surface of the insulation spacer component. In some embodiments, the second surface of the insulation spacer component is opposite to the first surface of the insulation spacer component.

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component is applied a signal collection voltage. In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component is applied a bias voltage. In some embodiments, the bias voltage is higher than the signal collection voltage.

According to the invention, the insulation spacer component defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings. The first electrode layer defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings, and the second electrode layer defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings is aligned with one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings, and each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings is aligned with the one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings.

According to the invention, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings is narrower than one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings, and each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings is narrower than one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, the example photoionization detector further comprises an ultraviolet light source. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component is positioned between the ultraviolet light source and the signal collection electrode component.

In some embodiments, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source does not impinge on the first electrode layer of the signal collection electrode component and does not impinge on the second electrode layer of the signal collection electrode component.

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component comprises at least one intermediate electrode layer that is positioned between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

In some embodiments, the at least one intermediate electrode layer defines a plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings, and an intermediate layer electrode width associated with the at least one intermediate electrode layer is smaller than the first layer electrode width and larger than the second layer electrode width.

In some embodiments, the intermediate layer electrode width corresponds to a width of the at least one intermediate electrode layer between two of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, the first electrode layer defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings, and the second electrode layer defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of first electrode layer openings, the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings, and the plurality of second electrode layer openings are aligned with each other.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings is narrower than one of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings, and each of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings is narrower than one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component defines a plurality of signal collection electrode openings, and the signal collection electrode component comprises a triangular prism shaped electrode between two of the plurality of signal collection electrode openings. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings is aligned with one of the plurality of signal collection electrode openings.

In the present disclosure, the phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

In the present disclosure, the words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration.

If the specification states a component or feature "may," "can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

In the present disclosure, the term "component" refers to one or more separable element(s) or independent unit(s) that may be used to form, construct, or otherwise be part of an example photoionization detector. In some embodiments, a component may comprise one or more physical entities/structures that may provide one or more particular functions to the example photoionization detector.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide example photoionization detectors that detect the presence of and/or measure the concentration level of VOCs and/or other gaseous substances. In the present disclosure, the terms "volatile organic compound" or "VOC" refer to organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure at an ordinary room temperature. Example chemicals in VOCs may include, for example, formaldehyde, methane, benzene, and/or the like.

Because VOCs can easily become gas or vapor, a high concentration level of VOCs in indoor air or outdoor air may cause adverse effects on health and environment. As such, photoionization detectors may be utilized to measure and monitor the concentration levels of VOCs in various indoor and/or outdoor locations.

However, there are many technical challenges and difficulties associated with the photoionization detectors.

For example, the performance of many photoionization detectors are adversely impacted due to high baseline values. In the present disclosure, the term "baseline value" refers to a reading value from a photoionization detector that is caused by the photoionization of one or more electrodes of the photoionization detector.

Photoionization occurs when an atom or a molecule is exposed to or absorbs sufficient electromagnetic radiation (such as, but not limited to, ultraviolet light) such that an electron is emitted and/or released from the atom or the molecule, creating a positive ion. An example photoionization detector may comprise an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light through substances (such as, but not limited to, gaseous substances) that may include VOCs. In such an example, photons from the ultraviolet light may be absorbed by atoms and/or molecules of VOCs in the substance, causing electrons to be emitted or released from VOCs and creating positively charged ions. In some examples, positively charged ions that are produced due to photoionization of VOCs may create an electric current. In such examples, the higher the concentration level of the VOCs, the higher the electric current that is created through the photoionization caused by the ultraviolet light. An example photoionization detector may measure a level of the electric current, and may generate a reading value based on the level of the electric current that is indicative of a concentration level of the VOCs in the substance.

In some embodiments, the example photoionization detector may comprise a pair of electrodes (such as, but not limited to, a bias voltage electrode and a signal collection electrode). The signal collection electrode may be applied a signal collection voltage, and the bias voltage electrode may be applied a bias voltage that is higher than the signal collection voltage. The voltage difference between the bias voltage electrode and the signal collection electrode may cause positively charged ions (produced due to photoionization of VOCs) to be attracted to the signal collection electrode. As such, the example photoionization detector may measure the amount of electric current on the signal collection electrode, and may generate a reading value that at least partially corresponds to the concentration level of VOCs in the substance.

However, many factors may affect the reading values of the photoionization detectors. For example, environmental noise may create unwanted disturbances to the reading values of the photoionization detectors. Environmental noise may be caused by, for example but not limited to, stray electromagnetic radiation, environmental temperature variation, humidity variation, and/or the like.

If there is no VOC in the ambient air, it is supposed that no ion is generated. However, in reality, even if the concentration of VOC is zero, a weak current can still be detected by a signal collection electrode. The signal collected when there is no VOC around is named as "baseline. " Baseline can come from several aspects; one main reason is the photoelectric effect on the electrode(s) of the photoionization detector. As described above, the photoionization detector may comprise an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light. When the electrode(s) of the photoionization detector are exposed to or in contact with the ultraviolet light, photons from the ultraviolet light may cause the material of the electrode(s) (such as, but not limited to, metal) to emit electrons and create positively charged ions. The positively charged ions due to the ionization of the electrode(s) may cause variations or fluctuations of the electric current that is generated due to photoionization of VOCs. As such, photoelectric effect on the electrode(s) of the photoionization detector can adversely impact the performance of photoionization detectors.

As illustrated above, the higher the baseline value, the more interferences that are caused by the photoelectric effect on the electrode(s) of the photoionization detector. A high baseline value can cause the reading values from the photoionization detector to be less accurate indications of the actual concentration levels of the VOCs in the substance.

Many photoionization detectors are also plagued by technical limitations that are due to a low ion collection efficiency. In the present disclosure, the term "ion collection efficiency" refers to a percentage rate of positively charged ions (due to the ionization of VOCs) that are collected by the signal collection electrode of the photoionization detector. If the ion collection efficiency is different when ion concentration is higher, the responding signal will not be linear with concentration of VOC.

In some embodiments, the ion collection efficiency of the photoionization detector may correlate to the size of the surface area of the signal collection electrode that collects ions. The larger the surface area, the more positively charged ions can be collected by the signal collection electrode. However, in many photoionization detectors, the signal collection electrode having a large surface area is also more likely to be directly irradiated by ultraviolet light, and a strong photoelectric effect on the signal collection electrode can increase baseline value of the photoionization detector, which can adversely impact the performance of the photoionization detector.

As such, many photoionization detectors fail to provide a solution that balances the need for a low baseline value (where the surface area of electrode(s) exposed to the ultraviolet light should be as small as possible) and the need for a high ion collection efficiency (where the surface area of electrode(s) for collecting positively charged ions should be as large as possible). As a result of failing to provide such a solution, many photoionization detectors may provide narrow linearity ranges of the reading values from the photoionization detector.

For example, if the surface area of electrode(s) for collecting positively charged ions is too small, the photoionization detector may still collect a sufficient number of positively charged ions when the concentration level of the VOCs is low (and provide a linearity relationship between the concentration levels of the VOCs and the reading values of the photoionization detector), but may not be able to collect a sufficient number of positively charged ions when the concentration level of the VOCs is high (and therefore unable to provide a linearity relationship between the concentration levels of the VOCs and the reading values of the photoionization detector). As another example, if the surface area of electrode(s) is too large, the photoionization of one or more electrodes may cause interferences with the reading values from the photoionization detector, and may distort any linearity relationship between the reading values and the concentration levels of the VOCs. As such, many photoionization detectors suffer from issues of narrow linearity range at the low-end and the high-end.

In contrast, various embodiments of the present disclosure overcome these technical challenges, difficulties, and issues, and provide various technical advancements and improvements. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce the baseline value in photoionization detector, increase the ion collection efficiency of photoionization detector, and resolve the narrow linearity range at low-end and high-end issues.

For example, an example photoionization detector in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a signal collection electrode with layered structure for signal collection. The signal collection electrode may comprise materials such as, but not limited to, metal. In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode is positioned on top of an insulation spacer component so that it is hidden behind the insulation spacer component. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component may comprise materials such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, and/or the like that blocks ultraviolet light. As such, the signal collection electrode cannot be irradiated by the ultraviolet light, which can reduce and/or eliminate the photoelectric effect on the electrodes and can reduce the baseline value of the photoionization detector. Additionally, the layered structure of the signal collection electrode can increase the effective collection area of the signal collection electrode, and therefore increase the ion collection efficiency of the photoionization detector.

As such, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide photoionization detectors with electrode assemblies that can reduce the baseline value of the photoionization detector and improve the signal-noise-ratio (SNR) by avoiding being directly irradiated by ultraviolet light and increasing effective collection area, details of which are described herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, example schematic diagrams in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In particular, <FIG> illustrates an example schematic diagram of an example electrode assembly <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates an example photoionization detector <NUM> that includes the electrode assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the example electrode assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, as well as the flow of positively charged ions due the ionization of the VOCs within the example electrode assembly <NUM>.

As described above, an example photoionization detector in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise one or more electrodes (such as, but not limited to, a signal collection electrode and a bias voltage electrode) for measuring electric current generated by positively charged ions due to ionization of VOCs. In some embodiments, an example photoionization detector may comprise an electrode assembly that comprises the one or more electrodes of the example photoionization detector (including, but not limited to, the signal collection electrode and the bias voltage electrode).

In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the electrode assembly <NUM> comprises an insulation spacer component <NUM>. Because the electrode assembly <NUM> is a part of the example photoionization detector <NUM>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> comprises the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

In the present disclosure, the term "insulation spacer component" refers to a component, a part, and/or an element that may separate two or more other components, parts, and/or elements from each other, and insulate / protect one or more other components, parts, and/or elements from ultraviolet radiation. For example, the insulation spacer component <NUM> comprises materials such as, but not limited to, ultraviolet radiation shielding material.

In the present disclosure, "ultraviolet radiation shielding material" refers to materials that can block ultraviolet light and/or shield other objects from ultraviolet light. Examples of ultraviolet radiation shielding material comprise, but not limited, polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, Teflon, and/or the like.

According to the invention, the insulation spacer component <NUM> defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the insulation spacer component <NUM> defines an insulation spacer opening 137A and an insulation spacer opening 137B. In some embodiments, the plurality of insulation spacer openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the example photoionization detector may comprise an ultraviolet light source <NUM> that is positioned under the insulation spacer component <NUM>. The ultraviolet light source <NUM> may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of insulation spacer openings (including the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B).

In some embodiments, the example photoionization detector <NUM> shown in <FIG> may receive gaseous substances from the top of the example photoionization detector <NUM>. As such, gaseous substances may flow from a top end of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (including a top end of the insulation spacer opening 137A and a top end of the insulation spacer opening 137B) to a bottom end of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (including a bottom end of the insulation spacer opening 137A and a bottom end of the insulation spacer opening 137B, respectively). In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur when the VOCs are exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source <NUM> in the plurality of insulation spacer openings (including the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B), details of which are described and illustrated in connection with at least <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, according to the invention, the insulation spacer component <NUM> is associated with an insulation spacer width <NUM>. The insulation spacer width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the insulation spacer component <NUM> between two of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B). In the example shown in <FIG>, the insulation spacer width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the insulation spacer component <NUM> between the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a signal collection electrode component <NUM> that is disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. Because the electrode assembly <NUM> is a part of the example photoionization detector <NUM>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> comprises the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. As such, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is also referred to as a top electrode component.

In the present disclosure, the term "electrode component" or "electrode" refers to an electrical conductor that is connected to a power source (for example, through one or more switches) and may comprise a surface that contacts nonmetallic substances, materials, and/or the like (such as, but not limited to, air, gaseous substances, ultraviolet light, and/or the like).

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may collect positively charged ions due to ionization of the VOCs in the gaseous substance as described above. In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may comprise materials such as, but not limited to, metal (e.g., steel, nickel, copper, and/or the like).

In the example shown in <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises one or more electrode layers. In some embodiments, the one or more electrode layers may be stacked on top of one another, such that the one or more electrode layers together form the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is stepped shaped (e.g. comprising a series of successively receding electrode layers).

In some embodiments, each electrode layer comprises one or more electrode layer openings. In some embodiments, one or more electrode layer openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through. For example, each electrode layer opening may be aligned with electrode layer opening(s) from other electrode layer(s), such that the electrode layer openings from different electrode layers form a plurality of signal collection electrode openings.

According to the invention, as illustrated in <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises a first electrode layer <NUM> and a second electrode layer <NUM>.

According to the invention, the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. For example, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, a bottom surface of the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is in contact with the first surface (e.g. the top surface) of the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

According to the invention, the first electrode layer <NUM> defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first electrode layer <NUM> defines a first electrode layer opening 135A and a first electrode layer opening 135B. In some embodiments, the plurality of first electrode layer openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

As described above and further illustrated in <FIG>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> may comprise the ultraviolet light source <NUM>. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component <NUM> is positioned between the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. For example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is positioned under the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the first electrode layer <NUM> is disposed on top of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is also positioned under the first electrode layer <NUM> and may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of first electrode layer openings (including the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B).

As described above, the example photoionization detector <NUM> shown in <FIG> may receive gaseous substances from the top of the example photoionization detector <NUM>. As such, gaseous substances may flow from a top end of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (including the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B) to a bottom end of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (including the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B, respectively). In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur in the plurality of first electrode layer openings (including the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B) when the VOCs are exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source <NUM>, details of which are described and illustrated in connection with at least <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, according to the invention, the first electrode layer <NUM> is associated with a first layer electrode width <NUM>. The first layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the first electrode layer <NUM> between two of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B). For example, the first layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the first electrode layer <NUM> between the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B. In some embodiments, the portion of the first electrode layer <NUM> that is between two of the plurality of first electrode layer openings is referred to as a first electrode.

According to the invention, the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is disposed between the insulation spacer component <NUM> and the second electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. For example, the second electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is positioned above the first electrode layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, because the first electrode layer <NUM> is positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>, the second electrode layer <NUM> is also positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

According to the invention, the second electrode layer <NUM> defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the second electrode layer <NUM> defines a second electrode layer opening 131A and a second electrode layer opening 131B. In some embodiments, the plurality of second electrode layer openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

As described above and further illustrated in <FIG>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> may comprise the ultraviolet light source <NUM>. For example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is positioned under the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the second electrode layer <NUM> is positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is also positioned under the second electrode layer <NUM> and may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of second electrode layer openings (including the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B).

As described above, the example photoionization detector <NUM> shown in <FIG> may receive gaseous substances from the top of the example photoionization detector <NUM>. For example, gaseous substances may flow from a top end of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (including the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B) to a bottom end of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (including the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B, respectively). In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur in the plurality of second electrode layer openings (including the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B) when the VOCs are exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source <NUM>, details of which are described and illustrated in connection with at least <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, according to the invention, the second electrode layer <NUM> is associated with a second layer electrode width <NUM>. The second layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the second electrode layer <NUM> between two of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B). In the example shown in <FIG>, the second layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the second electrode layer <NUM> between the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B. In some embodiments, the portion of the second electrode layer <NUM> that is between two of the plurality of second electrode layer openings is referred to as a second electrode.

According to the invention, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises two electrode layers, such as the first electrode layer <NUM> and the second electrode layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may comprise more than two electrode layers. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) that is positioned between the first electrode layer <NUM> and the second electrode layer <NUM>. For example, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> is disposed between a top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM> and a bottom surface of the second electrode layer <NUM>. In such an example, the first electrode layer <NUM> is secured to a bottom surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the second electrode layer <NUM> is secured to a top surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one intermediate electrode layer defines a plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> defines an intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and an intermediate electrode layer opening 133B. In some embodiments, the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

In some embodiments, the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) is positioned above the first electrode layer <NUM>, which in turn is positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>. As such, the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) is also positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

As described above and further illustrated in <FIG>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> may comprise the ultraviolet light source <NUM> that is positioned under the insulation spacer component <NUM>. Because the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) is positioned above the insulation spacer component <NUM>, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is also positioned under the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) and may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (including the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B).

As described above, the example photoionization detector <NUM> shown in <FIG> may receive gaseous substances from the top of the example photoionization detector <NUM>. As such, gaseous substances may flow from a top end of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (including the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B) to a bottom end of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (including the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B, respectively). In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur in the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (including the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B) when the VOCs are exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source <NUM>, details of which are described and illustrated in connection with at least <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> is associated with an intermediate layer electrode width <NUM>. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) between two of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B). In the example shown in <FIG>, the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> between the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B. In some embodiments, a portion of the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) that is between two of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings is referred to as an intermediate electrode.

In some embodiments, the first electrode, the intermediate electrode, and the second electrode are aligned with one another. For example, a central axis of the first electrode, a central axis of the intermediate electrode, and a central axis of the second electrode overlap with one another.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may comprise materials such as, but not limited to, metal (e.g., steel, nickel, copper, and/or the like).

In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is opposite to the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. As described above, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. The second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a bottom surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, a top surface of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> contacts the second surface (e.g. the bottom surface) of the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> defines a plurality of bias voltage electrode openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> defines a bias voltage electrode opening 139A and a bias voltage electrode opening 139B. In some embodiments, the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

As described above and further illustrated in <FIG>, the example photoionization detector <NUM> may comprise the ultraviolet light source <NUM> that is positioned under the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. In such examples, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is positioned between the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and the insulation spacer component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B).

As described above, the example photoionization detector <NUM> shown in <FIG> may receive gaseous substances from the top of the example photoionization detector <NUM>. As such, gaseous substances may flow from a top end of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B) to a bottom end of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B). In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur in the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B) when the VOCs are exposed to the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source <NUM>, details of which are described and illustrated in connection with at least <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is associated with a bias voltage electrode width <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> between two of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B). In the example shown in <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> between the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B. In some embodiments, a portion of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> that is between two of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings is referred to as a bias voltage electrode.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example photoionization detector <NUM> that comprises the electrode assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> is illustrated.

As described above, the example photoionization detector <NUM> comprises an ultraviolet light source <NUM> that is positioned under the electrode assembly <NUM>. For example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is positioned under the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> (e.g. under the insulation spacer component <NUM> and the signal collection electrode component <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is connected to a power source <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may be in the form of, such as but not limited to, an ultraviolet light lamp, an ultraviolet light bulb, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the power source <NUM> may be in the form of, such as but not limited to, one or more driving electrodes that provides driving voltages to the ultraviolet light source <NUM>. For example, the power source <NUM> may be in the form of a high voltage and high frequency power source that are connected to a pair of high voltage drive electrodes. In some embodiments, the pair of high voltage drive electrodes provide power to the ultraviolet light source <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may be connected to one or more switches that enable the ultraviolet light source <NUM> to be turned on and off.

In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is positioned such that it emits ultraviolet light through the openings of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>, the openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>.

For example, as described above in connection with the at least <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises a first electrode layer <NUM>, an intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and a second electrode layer <NUM>. As described above, each of the first electrode layer <NUM>, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the second electrode layer <NUM> may comprise one or more openings.

For example, the second electrode layer <NUM> may comprise one or more second electrode layer openings such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B. The intermediate electrode layer <NUM> may comprise one or more intermediate electrode layer openings such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B. The first electrode layer <NUM> may comprise one or more first electrode layer openings such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B.

Similarly, the insulation spacer component <NUM> comprises one or more insulation spacer openings such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B. Similarly, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> comprises one or more bias voltage electrode openings, such as, but not limited to, the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B.

In some embodiments, the plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B), the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B), and the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B) are aligned with each other.

For example, each of plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B) is aligned with one of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B).

In some embodiments, each of plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B) is aligned with one of the first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B).

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B) is aligned with one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B).

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B) is aligned with the one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B).

In the present disclosure, when two or more openings are aligned with one another, the central axes of the two or more openings overlap with one another.

For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second electrode layer opening 131A, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A, the first electrode layer opening 135A, the insulation spacer opening 137A, and bias voltage electrode opening 139A are aligned with one another. Similarly, the second electrode layer opening 131B, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B, the first electrode layer opening 135B, the insulation spacer opening 137B, and bias voltage electrode opening 139B are aligned with one another. Aligning such openings with one another can provide technical benefits such as, but not limited to, allowing the gaseous substance to flow from a top of the electrode assembly <NUM> to a bottom of the electrode assembly <NUM>, while also allowing the ultraviolet light to travel from a bottom of the electrode assembly <NUM> to a top of the electrode assembly <NUM>, such that the ultraviolet light can cause ionization of the VOCs in the gaseous substance.

As described above, many photoionization detectors are faced with many technical challenges and difficulties, such as, but not limited to, high baseline values and low ion collection efficiency. Various embodiments of the present disclosure overcome these technical challenges and difficulties, and provide various technical improvements.

According to the invention, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the second electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than a first layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the first electrode layer <NUM>, which can reduce baseline values and increase ion collection efficiency. Similarly, the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) is smaller than the first layer electrode width <NUM> and larger than the second layer electrode width <NUM>, which can reduce baseline values and increase ion collection efficiency. Similarly, the insulation spacer width <NUM> associated with the insulation spacer component <NUM> is larger than the first layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the first electrode layer <NUM> and the bias voltage electrode width <NUM> associated with the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>, which can reduce baseline values and increase ion collection efficiency.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example diagram illustrating positively charged ions due to ionizations of VOCs is provided.

As shown in <FIG>, the ultraviolet light may be emitted from the bottom of the electrode assembly <NUM> and may travel through the openings of bias voltage electrode component <NUM>, the openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> (including the openings of the first electrode layer <NUM>, the openings of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the openings of the second electrode layer <NUM>). For example, the arrow 141A, the arrow 141B, the arrow 141C, the arrow 141D, the arrow 141E, and the arrow 141F indicate directions where the ultraviolet light may travel.

As described above, the second layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the second electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than a first layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the first electrode layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> associated with the at least one intermediate electrode layer (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>) is smaller than the first layer electrode width <NUM> and larger than the second layer electrode width <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second layer electrode width <NUM> is smaller than the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM>, and the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> is smaller than the first layer electrode width <NUM>. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer width <NUM> is larger than the first layer electrode width <NUM>.

In other words, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B) is narrower than one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B) is narrower than one of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B) is narrower than one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B).

As described above, the sizes of and/or the size relationships between the second layer electrode width, the intermediate layer electrode width, the first layer electrode width, and/or the insulation spacer width can provide various technical benefits and advantages, including, but not limited to, reducing the baseline value and increasing the ion collection efficiency.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a beam of ultraviolet light indicated by the arrow 141A may travel through an insulation spacer opening at an acute angle between the arrow 141A and the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>). As described above, the first electrode layer <NUM> is disposed on the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. Because the first layer electrode width <NUM> of the first electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width <NUM> of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As such, the electrode of the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is not exposed to ultraviolet light, thereby decreasing the baseline value of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

Similarly, the beam of ultraviolet light indicated by the arrow 141A may continue traveling at the acute angle to the height of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>. As described above, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> is disposed on a top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM>. Because the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than the first layer electrode width <NUM> of the first electrode layer <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As such, the electrode of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is not exposed to ultraviolet light, thereby decreasing the baseline value of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

Similarly, the beam of ultraviolet light indicated by the arrow 141A may continue traveling at the acute angle to the height of the second electrode layer <NUM>. As described above, the second electrode layer <NUM> is disposed on a top surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>. Because the second layer electrode width <NUM> of the second electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than the intermediate layer electrode width <NUM> of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the second electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As such, the electrode of the second electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is not exposed to ultraviolet light, thereby decreasing the baseline value of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

As such, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the signal collection electrode component <NUM> (e.g. the electrode of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is not exposed to ultraviolet light), thereby decreasing the baseline value of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

While the description above provides an example of one intermediate electrode layer, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description above. In some examples, an example electrode assembly may comprise more than one intermediate electrode layer that is positioned between the first electrode layer <NUM> and the second electrode layer <NUM>, forming an intermediate electrode layer stack. In such examples, intermediate electrode layers in the intermediate electrode layer stack are stacked on top of one another. The higher an intermediate electrode layer is stacked in the intermediate electrode layer stack, the smaller the intermediate layer electrode width of that intermediate electrode layer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer electrode width of the highest stacked intermediate electrode layer is larger than the second layer electrode width. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer electrode width of the lowest stacked intermediate electrode layer is smaller than the first layer electrode width. In other words, the intermediate electrode layer stack comprises a series of successively receding intermediate electrode layers. In such examples, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the intermediate electrode layer stack (e.g. the electrode of the intermediate electrode layer stack is not exposed to ultraviolet light), thereby decreasing the baseline value of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the layered structure of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> can increase the ion collection efficiency.

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> (including the second electrode layer <NUM>, the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the first electrode layer <NUM>) may receive a signal collection voltage. For example, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may be connected to a power source that applies the signal collection voltage to the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. Similarly, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may receive a bias voltage. For example, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may be connected to a power source that applies the bias voltage to the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bias voltage is higher than the signal collection voltage. In some embodiments, the bias voltage is <NUM> volts and the signal collection voltage is <NUM> volts. In some embodiments, the bias voltage and/or the signal collection voltage may be lower or higher than the example above.

In some embodiments, because the bias voltage is higher than the signal collection voltage, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> and the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> create an electric field that attracts positively charged particles to the signal collection electrode component <NUM> and negatively charged particles to the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

As described above in connection with at least <FIG>, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is positioned under the electrode assembly <NUM> and provides ultraviolet light to cause ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substance. For example, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source <NUM> travels through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (such as, but not limited to, the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B), through the plurality of insulation spacer openings (such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B), through the plurality of first electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the first electrode layer opening 135A and the first electrode layer opening 135B), through the plurality of intermediate electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the intermediate electrode layer opening 133A and the intermediate electrode layer opening 133B), and through the plurality of second electrode layer openings (such as, but not limited to, the second electrode layer opening 131A and the second electrode layer opening 131B).

In some embodiments, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substance may happen in the openings of bias voltage electrode component <NUM>, the openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and/or the openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> (including the openings of the second electrode layer <NUM>, the openings of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the openings of the first electrode layer <NUM>). The ionization of VOCs causes electrons to be emitted or released from VOCs and creates positively charged ions, and the positively charged ions are attracted to the surface of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> that collects positively charged ions include not only the side surface of the second electrode layer <NUM>, the side surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM>, and the side surface of the first electrode layer <NUM>, but also the exposed top surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> and the exposed top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM>.

In particular, because the second layer electrode width is smaller than the intermediate layer electrode width, a part of the top surface of the intermediate electrode layer <NUM> is exposed to collect the positively charged ions due to the ionizations of the VOCs. Similarly, because the intermediate electrode width is smaller than the first layer electrode width, a part of the top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM> is exposed to collect the positively charged ions due to the ionizations of the VOCs. As such, the collection surface of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> that collects positively charged ions due to the ionization of the VOCs resembles that of a series of stairs, and the size of the collection surface of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> that collects positively charged ions is higher than that of a signal collection electrode component without a layered structure. As described above, the ion collection efficiency of a photoionization detector may correlate to the size of the surface area of the signal collection electrode that collects ions. As such, various examples of the present disclosure may increase the ion collection efficiency.

Because the ion collection efficiency is increased when example embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented, most or all positively charged ions due to the ionization of the VOCs can be collected by the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As such, various examples of the present disclosure overcome issues of narrow linearity ranges of the reading values from the photoionization detector.

Referring back to <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (such as, but not limited to, the bias voltage electrode opening 139A and the bias voltage electrode opening 139B) is wider than one of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (such as, but not limited to, the insulation spacer opening 137A and the insulation spacer opening 137B).

In some embodiments, the sizes of and/or the size relationships between the bias voltage electrode width and the insulation spacer width can provide various technical benefits and advantages, including, but not limited to, reducing the baseline value and increasing the ion collection efficiency. For example, because the bias voltage electrode width is smaller than the insulation spacer width, the ultraviolet light can travel at acute angles as shown by the arrow 141A, the arrow 141C, the arrow 141D, and/or the arrow 141F in <FIG>, which can increase the amount of the ionization of the VOCs in the gaseous substance and increase the accuracy of reading values of the example photoionization detector <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example schematic diagram of an example electrode assembly <NUM> for an example photoionization detector in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example electrode assembly <NUM> comprises an insulation spacer component <NUM>, similar to the example insulation spacer component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. For example, the example insulation spacer component <NUM> may comprise ultraviolet radiation shielding material such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, Teflon, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component <NUM> defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings, similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>. In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component is associated with an insulation spacer width that corresponds to a width of the insulation spacer component <NUM> between two of the plurality of insulation spacer openings.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a signal collection electrode component <NUM>. Compared with the signal collection electrode component <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> does not comprise any intermediate electrode layer. In particular, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises two electrode layers: a first electrode layer <NUM> and a second electrode layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. For example, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, a bottom surface of the first electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is in contact with the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>).

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the first electrode layer <NUM> defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings, which provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through. In some embodiments, the VOCs in the substances are exposed to the ultraviolet light in the first electrode layer openings, similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the first electrode layer <NUM> is associated with a first layer electrode width that corresponds to a width of the first electrode layer <NUM> between two of the plurality of first electrode layer openings, similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, the second electrode layer <NUM> of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is positioned above the first electrode layer <NUM>. For example, a bottom surface of the second electrode layer <NUM> is in contact with a top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM>.

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the second electrode layer <NUM> defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings, which provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through. In some embodiments, the VOCs in the substances are exposed to the ultraviolet light in the second electrode layer openings, similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the second electrode layer <NUM> is associated with a second layer electrode width that corresponds to a width of the second electrode layer <NUM> between two of the plurality of second electrode layer openings, similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is opposite to the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> described above. As described above, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. The second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a bottom surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, a top surface of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> contacts the second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the bottom surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> defines a plurality of bias voltage electrode openings, which provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through. In some embodiments, the VOCs in the substances are exposed to the ultraviolet light in the bias voltage electrode openings, similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is associated with a bias voltage electrode width that corresponds to a width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> between two of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings, similar to those described above.

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be positioned above an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light. For example, the insulation spacer component <NUM> and the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> are positioned between the ultraviolet light source and the signal collection electrode component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings is aligned with one of the plurality of insulation spacer openings, which in turn is aligned with one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings, which in turn is aligned with one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings. As such, the ultraviolet light may travel through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings, through the plurality of insulation spacer openings, through the plurality of first electrode layer openings, and through the plurality of second electrode layer openings.

In some embodiments, the second layer electrode width associated with the second electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than a first layer electrode width associated with the first electrode layer <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of first electrode layer openings of the first electrode layer <NUM> is narrower than one of the plurality of second electrode layer openings of second electrode layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first layer electrode width associated with the first electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than an insulation spacer width associated with the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is narrower than one of the plurality of first electrode layer openings of first electrode layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode width associated with the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width associated with the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is narrower than one of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sizes of and/or the size relationships between the second layer electrode width, the first layer electrode width, the insulation spacer width, and the bias voltage electrode width can provide various technical benefits and advantages.

For example, similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, ultraviolet light indicated by the arrow 242A, the arrow 242B, the arrow 242C, the arrow 242D, the arrow 242E, and the arrow 242F may travel through an insulation spacer opening at an acute angle from the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>). Because the first layer electrode width of the first electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the first electrode layer <NUM> (e.g. the electrode of the first electrode layer <NUM> is not exposed to the ultraviolet light), thereby decreasing the baseline value. Similarly, because the second layer electrode width of the second electrode layer <NUM> is smaller than the first layer electrode width of the first electrode layer <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the second electrode layer <NUM> (e.g. the electrode of the second electrode layer <NUM> is not exposed to the ultraviolet light), thereby decreasing the baseline value.

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may receive a bias voltage, and the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may receive a signal collection voltage. In some embodiments, the bias voltage is higher than the signal collection voltage, creating an electric field that attracts positively charged particles to the signal collection electrode component <NUM> and negatively charged particles to the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. Because the second layer electrode width is smaller than the first layer electrode width, a part of the top surface of the first electrode layer <NUM> is exposed to collect the positively charged ions due to the ionizations of the VOCs. As such, the sizes of and/or the size relationships between the second layer electrode width, the first layer electrode width, the insulation spacer width, and the bias voltage electrode width in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure can increase ion collection efficiency.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example schematic diagram of an example electrode assembly <NUM> for an example photoionization detector, which does not form part of the present invention, is illustrated.

The insulation spacer component <NUM> defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings, similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the insulation spacer component <NUM> may comprise the insulation spacer opening 311A and the insulation spacer opening 311B. The thrinsulation spacer component <NUM> is associated with an insulation spacer width <NUM> that corresponds to a width of the insulation spacer component <NUM> between two of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (for example, between the insulation spacer opening 311A and the insulation spacer opening 311B, similar to those described above. The plurality of insulation spacer openings (including the insulation spacer opening 311A and the insulation spacer opening 311B) provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a signal collection electrode component <NUM>. The signal collection electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

The signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises one or more electrodes. For example, one or more bottom surfaces of the one or more electrodes of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> are in contact with the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>).

The one or more electrodes are in triangular prism shapes (also referred to as "triangular prism shaped electrodes"). For example, a cross-sectional view of a triangular prism shaped electrode along a vertical plane may show a triangular shape. In the example shown in <FIG>, the one or more triangular prism shaped electrodes include the triangular prism shaped electrode 315A, the triangular prism shaped electrode 315B, and the triangular prism shaped electrode 315C.

The signal collection electrode component <NUM> defines a plurality of signal collection electrode openings. For example, the gap between two triangular prism shaped electrodes creates a signal collection electrode opening. In the example shown in <FIG>, the plurality of signal collection electrode openings include a signal collection electrode opening 309A and a signal collection electrode opening 309B.

At least one of the one or more triangular prism shaped electrodes is between two of the plurality of signal collection electrode openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the triangular prism shaped electrode 315B is between the signal collection electrode opening 309A and the signal collection electrode opening 309B.

The plurality of signal collection electrode openings (including the signal collection electrode opening 309A and the signal collection electrode opening 309B) provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through. In some embodiments, VOCs in the substances are exposed to the ultraviolet light in the signal collection electrode openings, similar to those described above.

Each of the one or more triangular prism shaped electrodes is associated with a bottom width <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the bottom width <NUM> corresponds to a width of a bottom surface of the triangular prism shaped electrode 315B that is in contact with the insulation spacer component <NUM>.

The example electrode assembly <NUM> comprises a bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

The bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is disposed on a second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. The second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is opposite to the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> described above. For example, the first surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> may correspond to a bottom surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In such an example, a top surface of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> contacts the second surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM> (e.g. the bottom surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>).

The bias voltage electrode component <NUM> defines a plurality of bias voltage electrode openings. In the example shown in <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> defines a bias voltage electrode opening 313A and a bias voltage electrode opening 313B. The plurality of bias voltage electrode openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances and ultraviolet light to pass through.

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be positioned above an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light. Each of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings is aligned with one of the plurality of insulation spacer openings, and each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings is aligned with one of the plurality of signal collection electrode openings. As such, ultraviolet light may travel through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings, through the plurality of insulation spacer openings, and through the plurality of signal collection electrode openings.

The bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is associated with a bias voltage electrode width <NUM>. The bias voltage electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> between two of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings (including the bias voltage electrode opening 313A and the bias voltage electrode opening 313B). In the example shown in <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode width <NUM> corresponds to a width of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> between the bias voltage electrode opening 313A and the bias voltage electrode opening 313B.

The bottom width <NUM> associated with the triangular prism shaped electrode (for example, the triangular prism shaped electrode 315B) of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width <NUM> associated with the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (including the insulation spacer opening 311A and the insulation spacer opening 311B) of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is narrower than one of the plurality of signal collection electrode openings of signal collection electrode component <NUM> (including the signal collection electrode opening 309A and the signal collection electrode opening 309B).

The bias voltage electrode width <NUM> associated with the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> is smaller than the insulation spacer width <NUM> associated with the insulation spacer component <NUM>. In other words, each of the plurality of insulation spacer openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM> is narrower than one of the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

The triangular prism shapes of electrodes of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>, as well as the sizes of and/or the size relationships between the bottom width <NUM> of the triangular prism shaped electrode, the insulation spacer width <NUM>, and the bias voltage electrode width <NUM>, can provide various technical benefits and advantages.

For example, similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, ultraviolet light may travel through an insulation spacer opening at an acute angle from the first surface (e.g. the top surface) of the insulation spacer component <NUM>. Because the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises one or more triangular prism shaped electrodes and the bottom width associated with the triangular prism shaped electrode is smaller than the insulation spacer width of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the signal collection electrode component <NUM> (e.g. the triangular prism shaped electrode is not exposed to ultraviolet light), thereby decreasing the baseline value.

Similar to those described above in connection with <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may receive a bias voltage, and the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may receive a signal collection voltage. The bias voltage is higher than the signal collection voltage, creating an electric field that attracts positively charged particles to the signal collection electrode component <NUM> and negatively charged particles to the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. Because the signal collection electrode component <NUM> comprises one or more triangular prism shaped electrodes that are in triangular prism shapes, the side surfaces of triangular prism shaped electrodes can collect more positively charged ions compared to side surfaces of electrodes that are in cuboid shapes. As such, triangular prism shapes of the triangular prism shaped electrodes can provide technical advantages and benefits such as increasing ion collection efficiency.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example cross-sectional view of an example electrode assembly <NUM> is illustrated. In particular, <FIG> illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the example electrode assembly <NUM> when the example electrode assembly <NUM> is cut through a symmetry axis of the example electrode assembly <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example electrode assembly <NUM> comprises an insulating top cover component <NUM> and an insulating bottom cover component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the insulating top cover component <NUM> and the insulating bottom cover component <NUM> may comprise ultraviolet radiation shielding material. For example, the insulating top cover component <NUM> and the insulating bottom cover component <NUM> may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, Teflon, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the insulating top cover component <NUM> and the insulating bottom cover component <NUM> are secured to one another through, such as but not limited to, mechanical means (for example, but not limited to, snap fit mechanisms) and/or chemical means (for example, but not limited to, chemical glues). In some embodiments, the space between the insulating top cover component <NUM> and the insulating bottom cover component <NUM> provides housing for various components of the example electrode assembly <NUM>.

For example, the example electrode assembly <NUM> may comprise a signal collection electrode component <NUM>, an insulation spacer component <NUM>, and a bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM>, the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> are secured between the insulating top cover component <NUM> and the insulating bottom cover component <NUM>. For example, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> is positioned on a top surface of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and the insulation spacer component <NUM> is positioned on a top surface of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> shown in <FIG> is similar to the signal collection electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, and/or the signal collection electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, the signal collection electrode component <NUM> may comprise one or more electrode layers, and the one or more electrode layers are stacked upon one another such that the one or more electrode layers together form the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more electrode layers of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> are successively receding, similar to those described above.

Similarly, each of the one or more electrode layers may comprise one or more electrode layer openings, and electrode layer openings of different electrode layers are aligned with one another to form a plurality of signal collection electrode openings.

In some embodiments, the insulation spacer component <NUM> shown in <FIG> is similar to the insulation spacer component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the insulation spacer component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, and/or the insulation spacer component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, the insulation spacer component <NUM> may define a plurality of insulation spacer openings.

In some embodiments, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> shown in <FIG> is similar to the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, and/or the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. For example, the bias voltage electrode component <NUM> may define a plurality of bias voltage electrode openings.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the insulating top cover component <NUM> comprises a plurality of top cover openings (such as, but not limited to, a top cover opening <NUM>). Each of the plurality of top cover openings provide apertures and/or gaps that allow substances to pass through (for example, substances that may comprise VOCs).

In some embodiments, when the example electrode assembly <NUM> is assembled, the plurality of top cover openings of the insulating top cover component <NUM> at least partially overlap with the plurality of signal collection electrode openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>, such that gaseous substance may pass through the plurality of top cover openings to the plurality of signal collection electrode openings. Similar to those described above, the plurality of signal collection electrode openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> are aligned with the plurality of insulation spacer openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, which are aligned with the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>. As such, the gaseous substance may pass through the plurality of insulation spacer openings and the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings.

Similar to those described above, the example electrode assembly <NUM> may be positioned above an ultraviolet light source. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source may emit ultraviolet light through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings of the bias voltage electrode component <NUM>, then through the plurality of insulation spacer openings of the insulation spacer component <NUM>, and then through the plurality of signal collection electrode openings of the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As described above, gaseous substance that includes VOCs may pass through the plurality of signal collection electrode openings, then through the plurality of insulation spacer openings, and then through the plurality of bias voltage electrode openings. As such, ionization of VOCs in the gaseous substances may occur, similar to those described above. Because the one or more electrode layers of the signal collection electrode component <NUM> are successively receding, the ultraviolet light does not impinge on the signal collection electrode component <NUM>. As such, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide technical benefits and advantages such as reducing the baseline value of the photoionization detector.

Claim 1:
A photoionization detector (<NUM>) comprising:
an insulation spacer component (<NUM>) comprising ultraviolet radiation shielding material; and
a signal collection electrode component (<NUM>) disposed on a first surface of the insulation spacer component (<NUM>) and comprising a first electrode layer (<NUM>) and a second electrode layer (<NUM>), wherein:
the first electrode layer (<NUM>) is disposed between the insulation spacer component (<NUM>) and the second electrode layer (<NUM>),
a second layer electrode width (<NUM>) associated with the second electrode layer (<NUM>) is smaller than a first layer electrode width (<NUM>) associated with the first electrode layer (<NUM>),
the first electrode layer (<NUM>) defines a plurality of first electrode layer openings (135A, 135B),
the first layer electrode width (<NUM>) corresponds to a width of the first electrode layer (<NUM>) between two of the plurality of first electrode layer openings (135A, 135B),
the second electrode layer (<NUM>) defines a plurality of second electrode layer openings (131A, 131B),
the second layer electrode width (<NUM>) corresponds to a width of the second electrode layer (<NUM>) between two of the plurality of second electrode layer openings (131A, 131B), the photoionization detector (<NUM>) being characterized in that:
the insulation spacer component (<NUM>) defines a plurality of insulation spacer openings (137A, 137B),
an insulation spacer width (<NUM>) corresponds to a width of the insulation spacer component (<NUM>) between two of the plurality of insulation spacer openings (137A, 137B), and
the insulation spacer width (<NUM>) is larger than the first layer electrode width (<NUM>).