A photoionization detector (PID) lamp assembly and method are disclosed. The PID lamp assembly comprises a cap defining a lamp chamber within and the cap having a step aperture. Further, a crystal window is sealed over the cap and is configured to allow the passing of ultraviolet (UV) light. Further, a capillary tube is sealed to the cap via the step aperture of the cap. Thereafter, a pair of annular grooves are formed on the cap to install a pair of driving pads on the cap.