Abstract: Provided is an optical modulator in which an optical modulation element is accommodated in a housing. A plurality of lead pins, which are electrically connected to the optical modulation element through wire bonding, are fixed to the housing in a manner of protruding at least a part of each of the plurality of lead pins into the housing. In the plurality of lead pins, lengths of the lead pins are set to be different from each other so that a natural frequency of at least partial lead pins is different from a natural frequency of the other lead pins.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: providing supercharged analyte ions; and supplying electrons or reagent ions to said analyte ions so as to transfer charge from said reagent ions or electrons to said analyte ions, said transfer of charge causing at least some of said analyte ions to dissociate. The charge transfer step is performed at a relatively high pressure and preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A solvent trap for integration with a mass spectrometry system includes an enclosure defining an internal space; a wet gas inlet port configured to receive a gaseous flow from an ion source; a liquids outlet port configured to enable liquids to flow under gravity from the internal space; and a dry gas outlet port configured to exhaust gas from the internal space.

Abstract: Ion optics devices and related methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein that generally involve forming a plurality of electrode structures on a single substrate. An aspect ratio of the structures relative to a plurality of recesses which separate the structures can be selected so as to substantially prevent ions passing through the finished device from contacting exposed, electrically-insulating portions of the substrate. The substrate material can be a material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine into complex shapes with high precision (e.g., a printed circuit board material). In some embodiments, discrete ion optical elements are disclosed which can be formed from a core material to which an electrically-conductive coating is applied, the core material being relatively inexpensive and easy to machine with high precision. The coating can be configured to substantially prevent outgassing from the core under the vacuum conditions typically experienced in a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present triple quadrupole mass spectrometer determines the relationship between a parameter, such as the mass-to-charge ratio of a precursor ion or that of a product ion, and the optimal collision-gas pressure giving the highest signal intensity in an MRM measurement, derives an approximate equation expressing that relationship, and stores the information representing the equation in an optimum collision-gas pressure calculation information storage section. When a measurement is to be performed, an analysis operator enters the mass-to-charge ratio of a precursor ion or product ion of a target compound. Based on the approximate equation read from the storage section, an optimum collision-gas pressure calculator determines the optimum collision-gas pressure for the specified precursor ion or product ion, and sets this pressure as a measurement condition for the apparatus.

Abstract: An output terminal of a positive voltage generating circuit and an output terminal of a negative voltage generating circuit are connected in series, and an output terminal of the negative voltage generating circuit is connected to a ground via a resistor. A switching circuit and a series connection circuit of resistors are connected in parallel to each other between the output terminals of the positive voltage generating circuit and the negative voltage generating circuit. The switching circuit is on-off driven by a voltage signal taken from a junction point between the resistors, and the switching circuit is on-off driven by a voltage signal taken from a junction point between the resistors. Accordingly, when the polarity of an output voltage is switched, electric charges accumulated up to that point are discharged through the switching circuit of a voltage OFF-side polarity, so that the voltage quickly falls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mass distribution spectrometry which reduces an influence of the dispersion in the times at which ionizing beams irradiate a sample, on a mass spectrometry result, and can measure the mass distribution with high reliability. The mass distribution spectrometry is a mass spectrometry which includes irradiating the sample with a primary ion beam and detecting generated secondary ions, wherein this primary ion beam has a spread toward a direction perpendicular to a travelling direction, has a path length of each primary ion contained in the primary ion beam between a primary ion source and a surface of the sample adjusted by deflecting a trajectory, and is obliquely incident on the surface of the sample.

Abstract: There is provided a sampling interface for use with a mass spectrometry apparatus. The sampling interface is arranged so as to enable the sampling of ions in a mass spectrometer. In one aspect, the sampling interface comprises an inlet for receiving a quantity of ions from an ion source, and a region downstream of the inlet for accommodating a gas through which the ions may pass, wherein a field having a selected bias voltage potential is provided in at least a portion of the downstream region through which the ions may pass.

Abstract: There is provided an ion deflector for use with a mass spectrometer for directing a flow of ions between two distinct axes of travel. The ion deflector includes an electric field inducer arranged so as to establish at least one electrostatic field capable of deflecting ions travelling substantially along a first intended path of travel so as to travel substantially along a second intended path of travel.

Abstract: An electrostatic trap such as an orbitrap is disclosed, with an electrode structure. An electrostatic trapping field of the form U?(r, ?, z) is generated to trap ions within the trap so that they undergo isochronous oscillations. The trapping field U?(r, ?, z) is the result of a perturbation W to an ideal field U(r, ?, z) which, for example, is hyperlogarithmic in the case of an orbitrap. The perturbation W may be introduced in various ways, such as by distorting the geometry of the trap so that it no longer follows an equipotential of the ideal field U(r, ?, z), or by adding a distortion field (either electric or magnetic). The magnitude of the perturbation is such that at least some of the trapped ions have an absolute phase spread of more than zero but less than 2 ? radians over an ion detection period Tm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: An electrostatic ion trap confines ions of different mass to charge ratios and kinetic energies within an anharmonic potential well. The ion trap is also provided with a small amplitude AC drive that excites confined ions. The mass dependent amplitudes of oscillation of the confined ions are increased as their energies increase, due to an autoresonance between the AC drive frequency and the natural oscillation frequencies of the ions, until the oscillation amplitudes of the ions exceed the physical dimensions of the trap, or the ions fragment or undergo any other physical or chemical transformation.

Abstract: An annular ion guide is disclosed comprising inner and outer electrodes. Ions are confined within an annular ion guiding region by RF or pseudo-potential barriers in both an outward and inward radial direction.

Abstract: An abridged multipole structure for the transport and selection of ions along a central axis in a vacuum system is constructed from a plurality of rectilinear electrode structures, each having a substantially planar face with a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension. When a voltage is applied across the second dimension, an electrical potential is produced at the planar face whose amplitude is a linear function of position along the second dimension. Two electrode structures can be arranged parallel to each other with the first dimension extending along the central axis or more electrodes structures can be arranged to form multipole structures with various polygonal cross sections. Additional embodiments can act as linear ion traps or Paul ion traps.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided comprising a first ion trap arranged upstream of an analytical second ion trap. The charge capacity of the first ion trap is set at a value such that if all the ions stored within the first ion trap up to the charge capacity limit of the first ion trap are then transferred to the second ion trap, then the analytical performance of the second ion trap is not substantially degraded due to space charge effects.

Abstract: A method of processing an image charge/current signal representative of trapped ions undergoing oscillatory motion. The method includes applying a validity test to each of a plurality of peaks in the image charge/current signal in the frequency domain, wherein applying the validity test to a peak in the image charge/current signal in the frequency domain includes determining whether a phase angle associated with the peak meets a predetermined condition. The method also includes forming a new image charge/current signal that: includes data representative of one or more peaks that have passed the validity test; and excludes data representative of one or more peaks that have failed the validity test. The method may be performed by a mass spectrometry apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatic ion mirror is disclosed providing fifth order time-per-energy focusing. The improved ion mirror has up to 18% energy acceptance at resolving power above 100,000. Multiple sets of ion mirror parameters (shape, length, and voltage of electrodes) are disclosed. Highly isochronous fields are formed with improved (above 10%) potential penetration from at least three electrodes into a region of ion turning. Cross-term spatial-energy time-of-flight aberrations of such mirrors are further improved by elongation of electrode with attracting potential or by adding a second electrode with an attracting potential.

Abstract: An ion trap is provided between a collision cell and a time-of-flight mass separator. During a time period in which precursor ions derived from the same compound are selected with a quadrupole mass filter, a collision energy is changed from one to another. Various product ions that are produced by dissociation respectively under collision energies of the plurality of stages and precursor ions that are not dissociated are temporarily trapped in the ion trap, and are ejected in a packet form in the state where these ions are mixed, and are introduced into the time-of-flight mass separator 6 to be subjected to a mass spectrometry. Thereby, in a data processing unit, one MS/MS spectrum in which product ions produced in various dissociation modes under various CID conditions appear is created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optimization of electric fields in measurement cells of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers. The invention is based on the rationale that asymmetric electric fields with uniformly or non-uniformly perturbed field axes can appear in ion cyclotron resonance cells and therefore the axis of the magnetron orbit can become radially displaced. Shifted magnetron orbits negatively affect the cyclotron excitation, deteriorate the FT-ICR signal, increase the intensity of an even-numbered harmonics peak, lead to stronger side bands of the FT-ICR signal, and in extreme cases, cause loss of ions. The present invention helps in probing the shift of the magnetron motion, detecting parameters indicative of the offset of the electric field axis and/or correcting it by trimming it back to the geometric axis of the cell.

Abstract: An electrostatic ion trap for mass analysis includes a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes, spaced from the first array of electrode. The first and second arrays of electrodes may be planar arrays formed by parallel strip electrodes or by concentric, circular or part-circular electrically conductive rings. The electrodes of the arrays are supplied with substantially the same pattern of voltage whereby the distribution of electrical potential in the space between the arrays is such as to reflect ions isochronously in a flight direction causing them to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, focused substantially mid-way between the arrays. Amplifier circuitry is used to detect image current having frequency components related to the mass-to-charge ratio of ions undergoing the periodic, oscillatory motion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are provided to inhibit a sightline from a charged particle source to an analyzer and for changing a baseline offset of an output spectrum of an analyzer. A supply of charged particles is directed through a hollow body of a deflector lens that is positioned relative to a charged particle source and an analyzer. A flow path along a preferred flow path through a deflector lens permits passage of the ions from the source to the detector while inhibiting a sightline from the detector to the source in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the deflector lens.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are provided to inhibit a sightline from a charged particle source to an analyzer and for changing a baseline offset of an output spectrum of an analyzer. A supply of charged particles is directed through a hollow body of a deflector lens that is positioned relative to a charged particle source and an analyzer. A flow path along a preferred flow path through a deflector lens permits passage of the ions from the source to the detector while inhibiting a sightline from the detector to the source in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the deflector lens.

Abstract: Methods and analyzers useful for time of flight mass spectrometry are provided.

Abstract: A detector in a residual gas analyzer (RGA) is configured to receive ions traveling in a downstream direction along a beamline and includes a steering electrode offset from the beamline. A first ion-receiving electrode is at least partly on the opposite side of the steering electrode from the beamline. A second ion-receiving electrode is at least partly offset from the beamline, at least partly across the beamline from at least a portion of the steering electrode, and at least partially upstream of at least a portion of the steering electrode. A shielding electrode is arranged at least partly between the beamline and the second ion-receiving electrode. A source applies a potential to the shielding electrode. A residual gas analyzer (RGA) includes an ion source, an analyzer, and such a detector.

Abstract: A miniature, low cost mass spectrometer capable of unit resolution over a mass range of 10 to 50 AMU. The mass spectrometer incorporates several features that enhance the performance of the design over comparable instruments. An efficient ion source enables relatively low power consumption without sacrificing measurement resolution. Variable geometry mechanical filters allow for variable resolution. An onboard ion pump removes the need for an external pumping source. A magnet and magnetic yoke produce magnetic field regions with different flux densities to run the ion pump and a magnetic sector mass analyzer. An onboard digital controller and power conversion circuit inside the vacuum chamber allows a large degree of flexibility over the operation of the mass spectrometer while eliminating the need for high-voltage electrical feedthroughs. The miniature mass spectrometer senses fractions of a percentage of inlet gas and returns mass spectra data to a computer.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring and interpreting data using a mass spectrometer, said method comprising: (a) generating a multiplexed mass spectrum using the mass spectrometer system, the multiplexed mass spectrum comprising a superposition of a plurality of product-ion mass spectra comprising a plurality of product-ion types having respective product-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios, each product-ion mass spectrum corresponding to fragmentation of a respective precursor-ion type formed by ionization of a chemical compound, each precursor-ion type having a respective precursor-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio and (b) recognizing a set comprising a precursor-ion type and one or more product-ion types corresponding to each of one or more of the product-ion mass spectra by recognizing one or more losses of a respective valid neutral molecule from each said precursor-ion type.

Abstract: A vacuum measurement device includes a grid (10) and an electron source (20) provided inside a vacuum vessel, and an ion beam (100) extracted outside the grid is captured by an ion collector (40) and is converted into a current signal. The grid (10) is a grid-shaped cylinder, and an ion outlet (11) is opened and elongated in the longitudinal direction along the side surface of the grid (10). The vacuum measurement device includes a primary ion collector (40) capturing specific ions and a secondary ion collector (50) capturing other ions. The gas molecule density of the ion source is obtained from a total current of the primary and secondary ion collectors, and a ratio of the gas molecule density of the specific ions relative to the gas molecule density is obtained from a ratio of the current of the primary ion collector (40) relative to the total current.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry cells include one or more interleaved magnetostatic and electrostatic lenses. In some examples, the electrostatic lenses are based on electrical potentials applied to magnetostatic lens pole pieces. In other alternatives, the electrostatic lenses can include conductive apertures. Applied voltages can be selected to trap or transport charged particles, and photon sources, gas sources, ion sources, and electron sources can be provided for various dissociation processes.

Abstract: An electrostatic trap such as an orbitrap is disclosed, with an electrode structure. An electrostatic trapping field of the form U? (r, ?, z) is generated to trap ions within the trap so that they undergo isochronous oscillations. The trapping field U?(r, ?, z) is the result of a perturbation W to an ideal field U(r, ?, z) which, for example, is hypologarithmic in the case of an orbitrap. The perturbation W may be introduced in various ways, such as by distorting the geometry of the trap so that it no longer follows an equipotential of the ideal field U(r, ?, z), or by adding a distortion field (either electric or magnetic). The magnitude of the perturbation is such that at least some of the trapped ions have an absolute phase spread of more than zero but less than 2 ? radians over an ion detection period Tm.

Abstract: In order to provide a differential mobility analyzer and the like that allows (i) easy increase of an upper limit of particle size of charged particle which can be classified and (ii) analysis of charged particles whose particle size is variable, a DMA (Differential Mobility Analyzer) includes: a classification tank in which an inlet electrode having an inlet slit, an intermediate electrode having a slit, and an outlet electrode having an outlet slit are arranged in sequence in such a manner that adjacent electrodes are disposed opposing each other at predetermined intervals; a gas supply section supplying the classification tank with sheath gas; and a voltage generator applying a predetermined voltage between the electrodes disposed opposing each other, the classification tank including a first classification section and a second classification section each formed by the electrodes disposed opposing each other, and the gas supply section controlling a flow rate of the sheath gas to be supplied to the classif

Abstract: An analysis device for mass discrimination is disclosed. The analysis device comprises: a sample chamber for holding a gaseous sample; an analysis chamber arranged to receive sample gas from the sample chamber; a mass discriminator arranged to discriminate in the analysis chamber between ion species generated from the sample gas; and a wall separating the sample chamber from the analysis chamber, the wall comprising a rupture zone controllable to rupture and thereby release sample gas from the sample chamber into the analysis chamber. In one embodiment the rupture zone is adapted to rupture on application of an electric current or mechanical force. The wall may be micromachined. A method of mass discrimination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to the their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.

Abstract: A method for mass analysing multiply-charged ions is provided as well as a mass analyser suitable for performing the method, the method comprising: introducing multiply-charged ions into an electrostatic mass analyser where ions undergo multiple changes of direction of motion; detecting the ions in the analyser; and determining the mass-to-charge ratio of at least some of the detected ions; wherein the absolute velocity in the analyser of at least some of the ions whose mass-to-charge ratio is determined is not greater than 8,000 m/s and the average path length over the duration of detection of such ions is longer than required for detecting such ions with a mass-to-charge ratio resolving power of 1,000. High resolution mass spectra of high m/z protein complexes, for example in a native state and with low charge, can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analytical electronics used to identify compositions and structures of substances, in particular, to the analyzers comprising at least one mass-spectrometer (MS) and may be applied in such fields as medicine, biology, gas and oil industry, metallurgy, energy, geochemistry, hydrology, ecology. Technical result provides the increase in MS resolution, gain in sensitivity, precision and measurement rates of substances compositions and structures concurrently with enhancement of analyzer functional capabilities, downsizing and mass reduction. In claimed invention the ion flux generation and its guiding are performed in off-axis single-flow mode; parallel multi-stage mode; through use of three-dimensional field with mean meridian surface including without limitation three-dimensional reflecting and dual-zoned reflecting modes or by method of multi-reflection arrays. Devices to implement the claimed method are embodied.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer for analyzing isotopic signatures, with at least one magnetic analyzer and optionally with an electric analyzer as well, with a first arrangement of ion detectors and/or ion passages and, arranged downstream thereof in the direction of the ion beam, a second arrangement of ion detectors, with at least one deflector in the region of the two arrangements of ion detectors or between these arrangements. Additionally, a multi-collector arrangement, special uses and a method for analyzing isotopes in a sample. The mass spectrometer according to the invention has a control for the at least one deflector such that ion beams of different isotopes can be routed to at least one ion detector in the second arrangement.

Abstract: Mass analysers and methods of ion detection for a mass analyser are provided. An electrostatic field generator provides an electrostatic field causing ion packets to oscillate along a direction. A pulse transient signal is detected over a time duration that is significantly shorter than a period of the ion oscillation or using pulse detection electrodes having a width that is significantly smaller than a span of ion harmonic motion. A harmonic transient signal is also detected. Ion intensity with respect to mass-to-charge ratio is then identified based on the pulse transient signal and the harmonic transient signal.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to the their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.

Abstract: Provided is a quadrupole mass spectrometer including direct-current voltage sources having response characteristics which ensure that the response time of the direct-current voltage will be shorter than the period of time required for an ion having the highest mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) among the ions introduced into a quadrupole mass filter to pass through this filter. Main rod electrodes and pre-rod electrodes are connected to each other via primary differentiation circuits. Thus, in the transient state of the voltage change due to the switching of the mass-to-charge ratio, among the ions entering the quadrupole mass filter, ions having low m/z values can be removed by a pre-electrode unit, and ions having high m/z values can be removed by a main electrode unit. Accordingly, a large amount of ions can be prevented from passing through the filter and entering an ion detector.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer includes a plurality of substrates defining a measurement region for receiving a singular laminar gas flow without any carrier or sheath gas. The measurement region includes an ionization region that is continuous with a detection region. An ionizing electrode, which may include a plurality of asymmetric electrodes, produces ions in the gas sample within the ionization region. The ionizing electrode may apply a time varying voltage to the gas sample to generate a time dependent ion production. A field generating electrode generates an electric field to deflect the ions in the gas sample, and a detection electrode array detects the deflected ions within the detection region. A controller is configured to determine ion species based on the detection of ions by the detection electrode array.

Abstract: An ion collision cell is fabricated by four semi-circular profile elements, all of which are attach to the same reference plate. Consequently, all four elements remain aligned to the same reference plate. The four elements form a semi-circular channel with a semi-circular quad electrodes. The quad electrodes receive electrical potential to form the field required to focus and maintain the ions at the center of the channel. semi-circular insulators are provided on all sides of the channel so as to seal the channel over its length from the interior of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry system arrangement includes a curved ion guide, where the curve of the ion guide is positioned such that a portion of the ion optics are visible from at the ion guide entrance, e.g. line of sight or z-axis. There are four electrodes parallel with each other and the central curved axis. Each electrode is equally radially spaced from the curved central axis. For each cross section of the ion guide, the central curved axis being positioned at the origin, the curved electrodes being radially positioned at 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°. Depending upon the system, a blocking device is positioned external to the ion guide but within the “line of sight” or positioned tangential to the rising section of the bent ion guide.

Abstract: An electrostatic trap such as an orbitrap is disclosed, with an electrode structure. An electrostatic trapping field of the form U? (r, ?, z) is generated to trap ions within the trap so that they undergo isochronous oscillations. The trapping field U?(r, ?, z) is the result of a perturbation W to an ideal field U(r, ?, z) which, for example, is hypologarithmic in the case of an orbitrap. The perturbation W may be introduced in various ways, such as by distorting the geometry of the trap so that it no longer follows an equipotential of the ideal field U(r, ?, z), or by adding a distortion field (either electric or magnetic). The magnitude of the perturbation is such that at least some of the trapped ions have an absolute phase spread of more than zero but less than 2 n radians over an ion detection period Tm.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes a first ion trap arranged upstream of an analytical second ion trap. The charge capacity of the first ion trap is set at a value such that if all the ions stored within the first ion trap up to the charge capacity limit of the first ion trap are then transferred to the second ion trap, then the analytical performance of the second ion trap is not substantially degraded due to space charge effects.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to the their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.

Abstract: A Time of Flight mass analyser is disclosed wherein the time period between successive orthogonal acceleration pulses is less than the time of flight of ions having the maximum mass to charge ratio of interest. As a result, some ions are subject to wrap-around and will appear in a subsequent mass spectrum. Mass spectra obtained at two different sampling rates may be compared and mass peaks relating to ions which have and have not been subject to wrap-around may be identified.

Abstract: Electrostatic trap mass spectrometers are disclosed that may comprise at least two parallel sets of electrodes separated by a field-free space, wherein said at least two parallel electrode sets extend along a curved Z-direction locally orthogonal to said X-Y plane such that each of said two electrode sets define a volume with a two-dimensional electrostatic field in an X-Y plane and define either planar or torroidal field regions; means for adjusting the torroidal field regions to provide both (i) stable trapping of ions passing between said fields within said X-Y plane and (ii) isochronous repetitive ion oscillations within said X-Y plane such that the stable ion motion does not require any orbital or side motion; and an ion bounding means in the curved Z-direction configured to compensate time-of-flight distortions at Z-edges of the trap.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and algorithms are disclosed for operating an open electrostatic trap (E-trap) or a multi-pass TOF mass spectrometer with an extended flight path. A string of start pulses with non equal time intervals is employed for triggering ion packet injection into the analyzer, a long spectrum is acquired to accept ions from the entire string and a true spectrum is reconstructed by eliminating or accounting overlapping signals at the data analysis stage while using logical analysis of peak groups. The method is particularly useful for tandem mass spectrometry wherein spectra are sparse. The method improves the duty cycle, the dynamic range and the space charge throughput of the analyzer and of the detector, so as the response time of the E-trap analyzer. It allows flight extension without degrading E-trap sensitivity.