Abstract: Certain configurations of devices are described herein that include DC multipoles that are effective to direct ions. In some instances, the devices include a first multipole configured to provide a DC electric field effective to direct first ions of an entering particle beam along a first exit trajectory that is substantially orthogonal to an entry trajectory of the particle beam. The devices may also include a second multipole configured to provide a DC electric field effective to direct the received first ions from the first multipole along a second exit trajectory that is substantially orthogonal to the first exit trajectory.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to manifolds that comprise a moveable, internal sealing member that can be used to engage one or more ports of the manifold and prevent or reduce fluid flow from the engaged port into the manifold. In certain examples, the manifold can be used in a mass spectrometer to control fluid flow from an interface and a turbomolecular pump.

Abstract: A method of introducing a sample into an atomic spectrometer utilizes a spray head including a vibratable mesh. A liquid sample is conducted to one face of the mesh and the mesh is vibrated to expel sample droplets from the other face of the mesh into the proximal end of a flow passage axially spaced from the mesh. Also, a low pressure gas as flowed into the proximal end of the flow passage to mix with the droplets to form an aerosol in the flow passage. The vibrating of the mesh is controlled to provide in the aerosol a selected total volume of monodisperse droplets while the flow of the carrier gas is independently controlled to provide a selected rate of flow of the aerosol along the flow passage thereby to optimize consumption of the sample. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system is provided that is configurable for operation in both a Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) and Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC). A pressurized or collision cell included in the mass spectrometer encloses a quadrupole and is coupled to a source of both inert and reactive gas. To operate in the KED mode, the collision cell can be filled with a quantity of the inert gas and an energy barrier formed between the collision cell and a downstream mass analyzer. Interferer ions collided with the inert gas can lose on average more energy relative to analyte ions of the same mass to charge ratio and can thus be trapped by the energy barrier in greater proportions. To operate instead in the DRC mode, the collision cell can be filled with a quantity of gas that is reactive with the interferer ions only. Mass filtering of the product ions can then transmit proportionally more of the analyte ions to the downstream mass analyzer. A mode controller coordinates the two modes of operation.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided that is configurable for operation in both a Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) mode and a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) mode. To operate in the KED mode, a collision cell can be filled with a quantity of the inert gas, and an energy barrier can be formed between the collision cell and a downstream mass analyzer. To operate instead in the DRC mode, the collision cell can be filled with a quantity of gas that is reactive with the interferer ions.

Abstract: A method of introducing a sample into an atomic spectrometer utilizes a spray head including a vibratable mesh. A liquid sample is conducted to one face of the mesh and the mesh is vibrated to expel sample droplets from the other face of the mesh into the proximal end of a flow passage axially spaced from the mesh. Also, a low pressure gas as flowed into the proximal end of the flow passage to mix with the droplets to form an aerosol in the flow passage. The vibrating of the mesh is controlled to provide in the aerosol a selected total volume of monodisperse droplets while the flow of the carrier gas is independently controlled to provide a selected rate of flow of the aerosol along the flow passage thereby to optimize consumption of the sample. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided that is configurable for operation in both a Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) mode and a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) mode. To operate in the KED mode, a collision cell can be filled with a quantity of the inert gas, and an energy barrier can be formed between the collision cell and a downstream mass analyzer. To operate instead in the mode, the collision cell can be filled with a quantity of gas that is reactive with the interferer ions.