The dielectric barrier discharge as a detector for gas chromatography

The capability of the small-sized dielectric barrier discharge as an element-selective diode laser atomic absorption detector for gas chromatography is investigated. Detection limits have been determined for halogenated and sulfured hydrocarbons in the low to the high pg/s-range dependent on the element measured. Furthermore, the effect of doping gas (oxygen) and make-up gas (argon, helium) on the chromatograms is studied.