Photoionization Detector Lamps for Gas Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry

REFLEX Analytical offers the largest selection of Photoionization Detector (PID) lamps used in gas chromatography applications for trace gas monitoring and ionization of samples for mass spectrometry. Scroll below and purchase from the drop down menu by PID lamp type. Unit pricing is based on in-stock status. If the stock is depleted, unit pricing is subject to change and becomes based on current material availability, production criteria and related costs. If the lamp type is not listed or unknown, contact REFLEX Analytical with the required PID type and cross reference to a lamp type will be provided.

PID lamps are gas discharge lamps that are available in both DC operated and RF operated versions generating Ultraviolet electromagnetic field ionization energies from 8.4 eV to 11.8 eV. In general DC lamp operation is the preferred option for fixed installation instruments such as Gas Chromatographs, where continuous monitoring is required without circuit power constraints. RF lamp versions provide the solution to demands for hand held and low-power drive circuitry used in modern highly energy efficient, portable gas detectors.

Typical photoionization detectors measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many other gases in concentrations of ppm to ppb. REFLEX Analytical Corporation supplies a variety of PID lamps which are assembled with various window materials and gas fillings (Xenon, Krypton, Hydrogen, Argon) with different cut-off wavelengths. For example: Kr gas used in combination with a MgF2 crystal window gives both 10.0eV and 10.6eV photons. If a CaF2 window is used, then only the 10.0eV is emitted from the lamp. Xe gas with a MgF2 window gives both 9.6eV and 8.4eV photons. Argon gas with a LiF window gives 11.7eV photons. Photons will only ionize molecules with an ionization potential less than the photon energy. CLICK HERE for the complete product line.

To achieve the unrivalled performance associated with our series of PID lamps in terms of intensity, sensitivity and lifetime, it is necessary to use high quality materials and carefully controlled processing. For instance, getters which are metal inserts placed in DC lamps, clean up the internal gas volume from all contaminants. Some manufacturers use a material that is active only during the processing of the lamp, and some do not use any getter at all which results in a gradual deterioration of spectral purity over the lifetime of the lamp. While this does not interfere with the VUV lines for detection of VOCs, the contamination does take some of the energy from those lines resulting in decreased sensitivity and shorter life times. The proprietary gettering material used in our series of DC lamps is effective over the lifetime of the lamp to ensure continuing high spectral purity. Also the use of carefully selected sealing material ensures a vacuum tight seal with no outgassing to lead to ingress of air or contamination. Tightly controlled processing is necessary to remove any contamination from the lamp body followed by filling with high purity gases. Lamp sealing is important to maintain the gas pressure within the bulb to produce the same performance with lamp-to-lamp repeatability.