Universal sensor based on the spectroscopy of glow discharge for the detection of traces of atoms or molecules in air.

A sensitive and versatile sensor for the detection of traces of atoms or molecules in air based on the emission spectroscopy of glow discharge in air has been developed and studied. The advantages of this sensor compared to other well-known methods are that it renders the use of ultrahigh vacuum or cryogenic temperatures superfluous. The sensor is insensitive to the presence of water vapor (for example, in exhaled air) because of the absence of strong water lines in the visible spectral range.