Rapid chemisorbed gas desorption - from surface adsorption gas sensor by photon irradiation of correct frequency to break bonds

摘要

Rapid desorption of chemisorbed gas molecules from the detection surface of a surface adsorption gas sensor is effected by exposing the detection surface to photon radiation of predetermined quantum energy for overcoming the binding energy of the chemisorbed gas molecules. Pref. the sensor is a surface acoustic wave sensor (1), the detection surface of which faces and is spaced from a semiconductor laser (2) by a gap forming a gas and irradiation volume (3). Pref. the photon radiation is UV light from a laser. Photon irradiation is pref. periodically repeated. USE/ADVANTAGE - The sensor is used esp. for detecting certain gaseous products of rapid combustion processes (e.g. as an automobile exhaust gas sensor). The process ensures that the sensor always measures the prevailing gas atmos. and gives an increase in response rate of the sensor.