An improved argon microwave-induced plasma ionization detector for gas chromatography

The microwave-induced plasma ionization detector (MIPID) for gas chromatogr aphy has been improved. The effect of the structure of MIPID and experiment al parameters on its performance were studied with argon as the discharge a nd carrier gas. The sensitivity, linear dynamic range, noise, and stability of three types of MIPIDs have been compared for various compounds, For mos t organic compounds. detection limits in the range 10(-10)-10(-11) g with a linear dynamic range of four to five orders of magnitude were obtained. Th e influence of air entrainment into the plasma on the analytical performanc e of the detector was also studied. (C) 1999 Academic Press.