Microfluidic photoionization detector

A microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) comprising:

• a first layer;
• a second electrically conductive layer comprising an electrically conductive material disposed on the first layer;
• a microfluidic channel formed in and defined by the second electrically conductive layer, the microfluidic channel having an inlet that receives a fluid sample and an outlet from which the fluid sample exits the microfluidic channel, wherein a dead volume of the microfluidic channel is less than or equal to about 1% of a total volume of the microfluidic channel;
• a first electrode region and a distinct second electrode region defined by the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrode region is separated from the second electrode region by the microfluidic channel;
• and
• a source of UV light having a transparent window that is adjacent to at least a portion of the microfluidic channel, wherein the source of UV light is configured to direct photons to the portion of the microfluidic channel.

A microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) comprising:

• a first layer;
• a second electrically conductive layer comprising a conductive doped silicon disposed on the first layer;
• a microfluidic channel formed in and having two side walls defined by the second electrically conductive layer, the microfluidic channel having an inlet that receives a fluid sample and an outlet from which the fluid sample exits the microfluidic channel, wherein the microfluidic channel defines an Archimedean spiral pattern and a dead volume of the microfluidic channel is less than or equal to about 1% of a total volume of the microfluidic channel;
• a first electrode region and a distinct second electrode region defined by the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrode region is separated from the second electrode region by the microfluidic channel;
• and
• a source of UV light having a transparent window that is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the microfluidic channel, wherein the source of UV light is configured to direct photons to the microfluidic channel.