A theoretical model of the electron capture detector

Summary This paper reports a theoretical model of the ECD detector. The model presented here can be used to examine the influence of pulse parameters on the current and signal characteristics of the detector. On the basis of this model it was found that a space charge is created in the detector when it is supplied with pulse voltage. Due to the electric potential generated by the space charge, in the time between the pulses the electrons and negative ions move towards the detector electrodes. The ionization current of the detector is the sum of the electron current flowing to the anode under the influence of the supplied pulse voltage and the current flowing under the space charge potential in the time between the pulses. It was also found that the detector signal is the sum of the differences between those two currents caused by introducing the sample molecules to the detector. The model was tested for a detector with different electrode configurations which worked at temperature of 300 K or 573 K and which was supplied with nitrogen or Ar+10% CH₄ as the carrier gas.