Sub-PPB Detection with Gas-Phase Multiphoton Electron Extraction Spectroscopy under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

Multiphoton electron extraction spectroscopy (MEES) is an advanced analytical technique that has demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and specificity for detecting molecular traces on solid and liquid surfaces. Building upon the solid-state MEES foundations, this study introduces the first application of MEES in the gas phase (gas-phase MEES), specifically designed for quantitative detection of gas traces at sub-part per billion (sub-PPB) concentrations under ambient atmospheric conditions. Our experimental setup utilizes resonant multiphoton ionization processes using ns laser pulses under a high electrical field. The generated photoelectron charges are recorded as a function of the laser’s wavelength. This research showcases the high sensitivity of gas-phase MEES, achieving high spectral resolution with resonant peak widths less than 0.02 nm FWHM. We present results from quantitative analysis of benzene and aniline, two industrially and environmentally significant compounds, demonstrating linear responses in the sub-PPM and sub-PPB ranges. The enhanced sensitivity and resolution of gas-phase MEES offer a powerful approach to trace gas analysis, with potential applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, security screening, and medical diagnostics. This study confirms the advantages of gas-phase MEES over many traditional optical spectroscopic methods and demonstrates its potential in direct gas-trace sensing in ambient atmosphere.