Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating a charged particle trap in which ions undergo multiple reflections back and forth and/or follow a closed orbit around, usually, a set of electrodes. The invention allows high-performance isolation of multiple ion species for subsequent detection or fragmentation by deflecting ions out of the ion trap according to a timing scheme calculated with reference to the ions' periods of oscillation within the ion trap.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: A method of processing Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS) data includes performing a Fourier Transform of a part of a time domain transient and identifying from that transformed data signal peaks representative of the presence of ions. After peak identification, the full transient is then transformed, and the peaks identified in the partial transient transform are used to locate true peaks in the transformed full transient. The number of ‘false’ peaks resulting from random noise has been found to correlate to the resolution, so that using a partial transient to identify true peaks reduces the risk of false peaks being included; nevertheless this information can then be applied to the full data set when transformed. As an alternative, different parts of the full data set can be transformed and then correlated; because any noise will be random, false peaks should occur at different places in the two partial transforms.

Abstract: A system and method of mass spectrometry is provided. Ions from an ion source are stored in a first ion storage device and in a second ion storage device. Ions are ejected from the first ion storage device to a first mass analysis device during a first ejection time period, for analysis during a first analysis time period. Ions are ejected from the second ion storage device to a second mass analysis device during a second ejection time period. The ion storage devices are connected in series such that an ion transport aperture of the first ion storage device is in communication with an ion transport aperture of the second ion storage device. The first analysis time period and the second ejection time period at least partly overlap.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out both x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of a crystalline sample. A sample holder is located within an evacuable chamber. An x-ray fluorescence source and separate x-ray diffraction source are mounted within the evacuable chamber. An XRF detection arrangement is also provided, for detecting secondary x-rays emitted from the surface of the crystalline sample as a result of illumination by x-rays from the said x-ray fluorescence source. An XRD detection arrangement is then provided for detecting x-rays of a characteristic wavelength which have been diffracted by the crystalline sample. A moveable XRD support assembly is provided, comprising a first part configured to mount the XRD source for relative movement between the XRD source and the sample holder, and a second part configured to mount the XRD detection arrangement for relative movement between the XRD detection arrangement and the sample holder.

Abstract: An ion transfer arrangement for transporting ions between higher and lower pressure regions of a mass spectrometer includes an electrode assembly (120) with a first plurality of ring electrodes (205) arranged in alternating relation with a second plurality of ring electrodes (210). The first plurality of ring electrodes (205) are narrower than the second plurality of ring electrodes (210) in a longitudinal direction, but the first plurality of ring electrodes have a relatively high magnitude voltage of a first polarity applied to them whereas the second plurality of ring electrodes (210) have a relatively lower magnitude voltage applied to them, of opposing polarity to that applied to the first set of ring electrodes (205). In this manner, ions passing through the ion transfer arrangement experience spatially alternating asymmetric electric fields that tend to focus ions away from the inner surface of the channel wall and towards the channel plane or axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A data compression technique is disclosed for Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS). A statistical analysis is applied to the data in the frequency domain since most of this data is a result of randomly distributed electronic noise. A fit of the whole frequency dataset to the distribution is made to determine preliminary moments of the distribution. The data in the tail of that distribution (which is mainly the peak data) is then removed and the remaining data points are re-fitted to the distribution, to identify the moments of distribution of that remaining noise data. A noise threshold for the mass spectrum is then applied using the calculated moments. The data above the threshold is kept. The whole spectrum can be reconstituted by storing the moments of distribution along with the peak data and then regenerating the noise from those moments and adding it to the peak data.

Abstract: A two-dimensional radial-ejection ion trap is constructed from four apertured electrodes having inwardly facing hyberbolic surfaces, with each electrode being spaced from the centerline by a distance r that is greater than the hyperbolic radius r0 defined by the hyperbolic surfaces. This geometry produces a balanced symmetrical trapping field that has a negligible octopole field component and a relatively large dodecapole or icosapolar field component. In one specific implementation, the ion trap is selectably operable as a quadrupole mass filter by applying a filtering DC voltage to the electrodes.

Abstract: A technique for mass spectrometry includes: receiving first time domain data generated from a chromatographic output, the first time domain data including mass spectra; extracting second time domain data from the first time domain data, the second time domain data corresponding to a selected range of mass-to-charge ratios; transforming the second time domain data into frequency domain data; and identifying, as a function of the frequency domain data, an elution peak for a mass-to-charge ratio within the selected range. Material from the chromatographic output may thereafter be processed as a function of the identified elution peak.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for implementing a power source including a power amplifier that generates a radio-frequency power signal with an adjustable operating frequency. The power amplifier also generates a reference phase signal that is derived from the radio-frequency power signal. An impedance match provides the radio-frequency power signal to a plasma coil that has a variable resonance condition. A phase probe is positioned adjacent to the plasma coil to generate a coil phase signal corresponding to the adjustable operating frequency. A phase-locked loop then generates an RF drive signal that is based upon a phase relationship between the reference phase signal and the coil phase signal. The phase-locked loop provides the RF drive signal to the power amplifier to control the adjustable operating frequency, so that the adjustable operating frequency then tracks the variable resonance condition.

Abstract: A method, instrument, and computer program software product for characterizing a sample with respect to the presence of a specified element, either as a constituent of a surface layer or of the bulk of the sample. Intensities of fluorescent emission at two characteristic emission lines are compared to establish whether the specified element is disposed above the bulk of the sample. In the case where the specified element is disposed above the bulk of the sample, an areal density of the specified element is determined, whereas in the case where the specified element is disposed within the bulk of the sample, a volumetric concentration of the specified element within the sample is determined.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hand-held, self-contained x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer produces a small x-ray spot on a sample to interrogate the elemental composition of a sample region of millimeter-size characteristic dimension. The analyzer includes a collimator for aiming an x-ray beam toward a desired location on the sample and for determining the size of the spot produced on the sample. The analyzer may include a digital camera oriented toward the portion of the sample that is, or would be, interrogated by the x-ray spot to facilitate aiming the analyzer. The analyzer may generate a reticule in a displayed image to indicate the portion of the sample that is, or would be, illuminated by the x-ray beam. The analyzer may automatically annotate the image of the sample with text or graphics that contain information about the analyzed sample. The image may be stored in the hand -held analyzer or provided for external storage or display.

Abstract: A method for classifying a sample based upon a complete spectral analysis. The sample is illuminated with penetrating radiation and an initial complete spectral analysis is performed based on spectral resolution of resonant fluorescence lines emitted at the surface, or within the volume, of the sample. If the initial complete spectral analysis yields the composition of the sample to within acceptable limits, analysis values are output to the user. Otherwise, further analysis, informed by the results if the initial complete spectral analysis, is performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to mass spectrometry that includes ion trapping in at least one of the stages of mass analysis. In particular, although not exclusively, this invention relates to tandem mass spectrometry where precursor ions and fragment ions are analysed. A method of mass spectrometry is provided comprising the sequential steps of: accumulating in an ion store a sample of one type of ions to be analysed; accumulating in the ion store a sample of another type of ions to be analysed; and mass analysing the combined samples of the ions; wherein the method comprises accumulating the sample of the one type of ions and/or the sample of another type of ions to achieve a target number of ions based on the results of a previous measurement of the respective type of ions.

Abstract: The invention is an installment for making multi-channel spectroscopic measurements on a plurality of nanodrop samples held by surface tension between opposing optical fibers wherein a single fiber is scanned across a linear spaced array of receiving, detecting fibers.

Abstract: A method for reducing the energy spread of ions over a specific and limited mass to charge ratio range is disclosed, along with an ion deceleration arrangement for implementing such a method. An electric field, having an electric field strength E is generated by a deceleration electrode arrangement (250). Ions of a specific and limited mass to charge ratio range, but having a spread of energies, are directed into the decelerating electric field generated by the deceleration electrode arrangement (250). The decelerating electric field is then removed, once substantially all of the ions of the specific mass to charge ratio range have entered the decelerating electric field. By matching the electric field strength E to the energy spread of the ions upon entry into the electric field, the energy spread of the said ions is reduced. Preferred embodiments of the invention employ energy dispersion upstream of the ion deceleration arrangement.

Abstract: A combined rf-only/FAIMS apparatus is disclosed for use in mass spectrometry and other applications. The disclosed apparatus includes a plurality of curved electrodes arranged around a central ion transmission channel. FAIMS functionality is removed electronically when not desired by application of radio frequency (rf) waveforms to the curved electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of trapping ions and to an ion trapping assembly. In particular, the present invention has application in gas-assisted trapping of ions in an ion trap prior to a mass analysis of the ions in a mass spectrometer. The invention provides a method of trapping ions in a target ion trap of an ion trapping assembly that comprises a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap, whereby ions are allowed to pass repeatedly through the volumes such that they also pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped. Potentials may be used to reflect the ions from respective ends of the ion trapping assembly. Optionally, a potential well and/or gas-assisted cooling may be used to cause the ions to settle in the target ion trap.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry having the steps of, in a first cycle: storing sample ions in a first ion storage device; ejecting the stored ions out of the first ion storage device into a separate ion selection device; selecting a subset of the ions in the ion selection device; ejecting the subset of ions selected within the ion selection device to a fragmentation device; directing ions from the fragmentation device back to the first ion storage device without passing them through the said ion selection device; receiving at least some of the ions ejected from the first ion storage device, or their derivatives, back into the first ion storage device; and storing the received ions in the first ion storage device.