New techniques using a simple and ultra-sensitive gas chromatographic detection device have been developed for the analysis of permanent gases. The detector consists of two electrodes closely spaced (approx. 1 mm) in a parallel plate geometry with an internal detector volume of 160 µI. A 250 mc tritium foil serves as the anode. The cathode is connected to a very stable voltage supply capable of between 350 – 700 volts. The exact voltage used depends on the purity of the helium carrier gas. The anode is connected to an electrometer capable of measuring small (10−11 amps) changes in current. Helium passing from a chromatographic column is excited to the metastable state (energy level + 19.8 eV). All permanent gases except neon are in turn ionized and produce a positive increase in detector current. Neon shows a negative peak. Sensitivity as low as 1.0 ppb is demonstrated. Chromatograms for parts per billion detectability are shown for H2, O2, Ar, N2, CO, and CO2. Detector response is shown to be linear over a range of 10,000.