Abstract: A trace detection system includes at least two stages coupled to operate in series. An ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) stage has a sampling inlet to receive a sample to be analyzed. An ion source ionizes the sample. The IMS applies an electrical field to the ionized sample to move the ionized sample toward an IMS outlet. A differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) stage coupled in series with the IMS stage receives the ionized sample from the IMS stage. Preferably, the system includes a mass spectrometer (MS) stage coupled in series with the DMS stage to receive the ionized sample from the DMS stage via a vacuum interface. A roughing vacuum pump evacuates a first stage of the MS stage to a first pressure below atmospheric pressure. A high vacuum pump evacuates a second stage of the MS stage to a second pressure below the first pressure.

Abstract: A portable analytical grade mass spectrometer system contained in a single enclosure is disclosed for use in analyzing atmospheric, water, soil, drugs, explosives and other substances and includes a gas chromatograph and a mass analyzer assembly enclosed within a vacuum housing, a vacuum pump, and an on-board computer such that an operator, by means of an attached keyboard, can input data and information, and input a sample to be analyzed, and thereby operate the miniaturized mass spectrometer system.