Development of a compact microwave spectrometer for gas analysis, based on the Start effect

A spectrometer suitable for in process and pollution control was developed. The main components (digital tunable high frequency source, stark cell, stark electrode, vacuum system, analog and digital electronics) are described. The limits in determining the gas concentration were estimated and sources of interference were examined. Possible improvements are outlined, such as the suppression of the memory effect (residual gases in the measuring cell) which is required in order to broaden the area of application of this spectrometer.