[en] An improved gas ionization cell is described with compensation for variations in flow rate of the gas and variations in radioactive source intensity. A gas sample is directed past a source of ionizing radiation and through a recombination region to an ion collection screen, where output current is monitored to give an indication of trace gases or vapors present in the gas under surveillance. Compensation for changes in gas flow rate and source intensity is provided by taking a portion of the gas subjected to the ionizing radiation and directing that portion of the gas through a channel by-passing the recombination region of the cell and past a pair of conductive probes. The first probe of the pair is biased at a predetermined voltage, while electric current is monitored at the second probe spaced downstream from the first probe. The current generated at the second probe, which is for all practical purposes a function of only the rate of gas flow and the source intensity, provides the compensation signal for the ionization cell. 4 claims, 8 figures