A method of separating charged particles using an analyser is provided, the method comprising: causing a beam of charged particles to fly through the analyser and undergo within the analyser at least one full oscillation in the direction of an analyser axis (z) of the analyser whilst orbiting about the axis (z) along a main flight path; constraining the arcuate divergence of the beam as it flies through the analyser; and separating the charged particles according to their flight time. An analyser for performing the method is also provided. At least one arcuate focusing lens is preferably used to constrain the divergence, which may comprise a pair of opposed electrodes located either side of the beam. An array of arcuate focusing lenses may be used which are located at substantially the same z coordinate, the arcuate focusing lenses in the array being spaced apart in the arcuate direction and the array extending at least partially around the z axis, thereby constraining the arcuate divergence of the beam a plurality of times as it flies through the analyser.

Charged particle analysers and methods of separating charged particles

A time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of cutting out a major portion of carrier gas-derived ions ahead of the ion reservoir. The ion source is of the electron impact type and has source magnets for deflecting some of the produced ions away from the center axis of the ion reservoir. Electrostatic lenses for promoting the deflection of the ions caused by the source magnets and a differentially pumped slit for cutting off the deflected ions are mounted downstream of the ion source.

Time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer and method of mass spectrometry wherein charged particles in a beam undergo multiple changes of direction A detection arrangement detects a first portion of the charged particle beam, and provides a first output based upon the intensity of the detected first portion of the charged particle beam The detection arrangement detects a second portion of the charged particle beam that has travelled a greater path length through the mass spectrometer than the first portion of the charged particle beam, and provides a second output based upon the detected second portion of the charged particle beam A controller adjusts the parameters of the charged particle beam and/or the detection arrangement, based upon the first output of the detection arrangement, so as to adjust the second output of the detection arrangement

Multi-channel detection

A mass spectrometer includes at least one ion selector, at least one collision cell, and an ion path switching device arranged to define a looped ion path around which ions derived from a sample may be sent multiple times (without reversal of ion travel) in order to effect a desired number of isolation/fragmentation cycles for MSn analysis. When the desired number of isolation/fragmentation cycles have been completed, the ion path switching device directs the ions to a detector or a separate mass analyzer for acquisition of a mass spectrum.

Mass spectrometer with looped ion path

A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising: an ion deflector (305) configured to deflect ions to different positions in a first array of positions at different times; a position sensitive ion detector (187); and ion optics (180) arranged and configured to guide ions from the first array of positions to the position sensitive detector (187) so as to map ions from the first array of positions to a second array of positions on the position sensitive detector (187); wherein the ion optics includes at least one ion mirror for reflecting the ions.

Imaging mass spectrometer

A method and apparatus for time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The apparatus improves the ion focusing properties in an orthogonal direction and permits connection with an orthogonal-acceleration ion source for improvement of sensitivity. The apparatus comprises an ion source for emitting ions in a pulsed manner, an analyzer for realizing a helical trajectory, and a detector for detecting the ions. The analyzer is composed of plural laminated toroidal electric fields to realize the helical trajectory.

Method and Apparatus for Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flugzeit-Massenspektrometrie

A method and a device for analyzing time-of-flight mass. The device connectable to an orthogonal acceleration ion source for increasing sensitivity by increasing the converging property of ions in the vertical direction comprises the ion source (10) capable of emitting the plurality of ions in a pulse form, an analyzer realizing a spiral route, and a detector (15) detecting the ions. The analyzer for realizing the spiral route is formed of a plurality of laminated toroidal electric fields (1 to 4).

Takaya Sato

Papers

Method and Apparatus for Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flugzeit-Massenspektrometrie

Method and device for analyzing time-of-flight mass