Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for shielding electrodes (204,205,504,505) within a photoionization detector (100). A photoionization detector (100) may comprise an ultraviolet radiation source (130); one or more detector electrodes (204,205,504,505); one or more collection surfaces (224,225,524,525) extending vertically from the detector electrodes (204,205,504,505); and a shielding material (206,506) located between the ultraviolet radiation source (130) and the one or more detector electrodes (204,205,504,505), wherein the ultraviolet radiation (130) does not directly impinge on at least a portion of the one or more detector electrodes (204,205,504,505). The one or more collection surfaces (224,225,524,525) may comprise a surface area that is not covered by the shielding material (206,506).