Atmospheric Pressure Airmicroplasma Ionization Source for Chemical Analysis Applications

An atmospheric pressure microplasma ionization source operating in ambient air and nitrogen is presented. Utilizing planar dielectric barrier discharge configuration, low power operation (< 250 mW) and long continuous operating lifetime (> 5000 hours) is demonstrated. Fitting of nitrogen rotational spectroscopy measurements indicate the microplasma operates at ambient temperature. Ion intensity and signal-to-noise data generated by the microplasma are compared to those produced from a 5 mCi,⁶³Ni foil, a radioactive source widely used in chemical detection equipment. End of life failure mode is discussed.