electron capture

British  

noun

1. Former name: K-capture.  the transformation of an atomic nucleus in which an electron from the atom is spontaneously absorbed into the nucleus. A proton is changed into a neutron, thereby reducing the atomic number by 1. A neutrino is emitted. The process may be detected by the consequent emission of the characteristic X-rays of the resultant element

2. the spontaneous or induced recombination of free electrons with ions or by transfer from other atoms or ions

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Example Sentences

His most notable device was the electron capture detector, which ‘sniffed out’ traces of compounds in the air.

From Scientific American

In 1957, he hit on his most far-reaching invention: the electron capture detector, a portable device that looked a bit like a hose nozzle and could detect infinitesimal evidence of man-made chemicals such as pesticides.

From Washington Post

In 1969, using his electron capture device, Dr. Lovelock went on to find that man-made pollutants were the cause of smog.

From New York Times

The electron capture detector, arguably one of the most important analytical instruments developed during the 20th century, was redesigned and commercialized by Hewlett-Packard without any royalty or licensing agreement with Dr. Lovelock.

From New York Times

His Electron Capture Detector was created in 1957, when he was a staff scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill, in north London.

From New York Times