TechnologyAugust 25, 2026

photoionization

foh-toh-eye-uh-nuh-ZAY-shun

Definition

A precise analytical method used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by exposing gas samples to high-energy ultraviolet light, causing the molecules to become electrically charged for measurement.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'phōs' (light) and 'ion' (going), combined with the suffix '-ization' to denote the process of creating ions through light exposure. The term entered scientific usage in the 20th century to describe this specific form of radiation-based molecular excitation.

In the news

The article mentions photoionization detection (PID) as a growing segment in the gas sensor market, specifically highlighting its role in achieving high-precision measurements of volatile organic compounds.

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EIN News

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