Abstract: Techniques and systems for multi-modal ionization for mass spectrometry are provided. In some embodiments, a method may comprise: receiving an analyte; ionizing some molecules of the analyte using a first ionization method to produce first ions; ionizing other molecules of the analyte using a second ionization method to produce second ions; and providing the first and second ions to a mass analyzer.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for multi-modal ionization for mass spectrometry are provided. In some embodiments, a method may comprise: receiving an analyte; ionizing some molecules of the analyte using a first ionization method to produce first ions; ionizing other molecules of the analyte using a second ionization method to produce second ions; and providing the first and second ions to a mass analyzer.

Abstract: Methods and media for compensating for irregular motion in three-dimensional spectroscopy are provided herein. Exemplary methods include: receiving a plurality of spectrographs for a series of respective locations and corresponding images of the respective locations, each spectrograph of the plurality of spectrographs being produced using a spectrographic data set of a plurality of spectrographic data sets, each of the plurality of spectrographic data sets being measured by a spectrometer and each of the corresponding images being captured by a camera at substantially the same time, the spectrometer being coupled to the camera such that the spectrometer and camera move in tandem and at least partially share the same point of view; generating a continuous image using the images; identifying a respective corresponding position in the continuous image for each spectrograph, such that each spectrograph is a measurement of the respective position; and associating each spectrograph with the respective position.

Abstract: A high voltage RF power supply capable of supplying a varying amplitude RF signal at a fixed frequency to the electrodes of a mass spectrometer analyzer. The RF generator provides a high voltage, low current signal capable of changing its amplitude in response to an input drive signal. The RF generator circuitry comprises separate positive and negative driver channels interfaced to a class AB amplifier circuit. The separate positive and negative channels drive a pair of current amplifiers with the final output stage comprising an air-core step-up transformer. The RF generator achieves efficiency and stability with a minimum of electronics hardware while incorporating the use of a simplified RF feedback circuit. The RF generator may be used with a variety of mass spectrometer analyzers, particularly those of miniaturized or portable application.

Abstract: Atmospheric sampling system designed to minimize cross-contamination between successive samples acquired by a portable, or handheld, mass spectrometer. Techniques to reduce the overall sample load on portable mass spectrometers having limited pumping capacity, such as capture pumps. Techniques and methods employing simple manual devices and micro vacuum pumps for purging the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. Reduction of cross-contamination between successive samples, permitting a portable mass spectrometer to correctly associate sample positives with specific sample sites or individuals.

Abstract: Systems for adjusting for irregular movement during spectral imaging are provided herein. Exemplary systems include: a spectrograph measuring a plurality of spectrographic data sets; a camera capturing images, a processor communicatively coupled to the spectrograph and the camera; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to perform a method comprising: receiving a plurality of spectrographs for a series of respective locations and the images corresponding to the respective locations; generating a continuous image using the images; identifying a respective corresponding position in the continuous image for each spectrograph, such that each spectrograph is a measurement of the respective position; and associating each spectrograph with the respective position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing the transmission of ions between two differentially pumped vacuum chambers. Ion transmission from the higher pressure vacuum chamber into the lower pressure vacuum chamber is maximized while gas conductance between the chambers is minimized. The conventional single hole circular aperture between adjacent vacuum chambers is replaced with an interface comprising a plurality of smaller apertures configured according to a calculated hole pattern. The individual apertures of the new interface may preferably be arranged in a circular fashion, providing both adequate ion transmission and lower gas conductance. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a surface having a single aperture whose shape comprises a contiguous collection of individual aperture shapes.

Abstract: An inlet and vacuum system for a portable, or handheld, mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises three vacuum chambers, which includes two ion funnels connected in series in the first two vacuum chambers, followed by a mass spectrometer analyzer and ion detector in the third vacuum chamber. The ion funnels are arranged with their central axes aligned in a linear fashion. The sample inlet to the portable mass spectrometer is from an external ion source, typically operating at atmospheric, or near atmospheric, pressure. An improvement in desolvation, and a reduction in the injection of neutrals, excited state molecules, and particulates into the analyzer is achieved by incorporating a lateral offset for the inlet capillary used to transfer ions into the first injection funnel. Additional efficiency for ion focusing is achieved by replacing the ion guide, typically used with atmospheric pressure ionization sources, with an additional ion funnel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling miniaturized arrays of ion traps, including cylindrical ion traps, rectilinear ion traps, and linear ion traps. Improved methods for applying supplemental AC signals to individual ion traps in an ion trap array. Methods of organizing ion trap arrays and operating the arrays in a manner to improve sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy. Techniques for performing simultaneous detection of multiple compounds from ion trap arrays. Optimization of ion trap performance by dynamic optimization or adjustment of RF trapping frequency and voltage amplitude.

Abstract: Atmospheric sampling system designed to minimize cross-contamination between successive samples acquired by a portable, or handheld, mass spectrometer. Techniques to reduce the overall sample load on portable mass spectrometers having limited pumping capacity, such as capture pumps. Techniques and methods employing simple manual devices and micro vacuum pumps for purging the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. Reduction of cross-contamination between successive samples, permitting a portable mass spectrometer to correctly associate sample positives with specific sample sites or individuals.

Abstract: Raman spectrometers are provided that illuminate a sample with two or more different beams of light, each characterized by a different primary frequency. Scattered light from the sample is separated into multiple Raman spectra, one for each primary frequency. The multiple Raman spectra can be evaluated individually, or they can be added together to form a composite spectrum that is then evaluated.

Abstract: A portable or handheld mass spectrometer making use of a cryogenic pumping, ion pumping or getter pumping system. The portable mass spectrometer contains a cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump, and operates in conjunction with a fixed docking station. The docking station contains a backing pump to bring the mass spectrometer manifold down to operating pressure prior to being placed into portable operation using the cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump. The individual pumps may be operated either separately or simultaneously. This configuration permits the portable mass spectrometer module to be small, lightweight and rugged, and yet be easily and quickly recharged and regenerated for use in either a field or laboratory environment.

Abstract: A spectrograph having multiple excitation wavelength ranges is disclosed. The spectrograph can include a wavelength switching mechanism to switch between different wavelength ranges in accordance with the wavelength of an incoming light signal. The wavelength switching mechanism can include multiple optical assemblies (or elements) corresponding to the different wavelength ranges for processing the incoming light signal. The mechanism can also include a switching component for switching the optical assemblies to align the appropriate assembly with the incoming light signal. Each optical assembly can include one or more transmission gratings to disperse the incoming light signal into multiple wavelengths within a particular wavelength range and a reflecting mirror proximate to the grating(s) to reflect the wavelengths of light back through the grating(s) to photodetectors for measuring to wavelengths to generate a light spectrum. The spectrograph can be used in Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A spectrograph having multiple excitation wavelength ranges is disclosed. The spectrograph can include a wavelength switching mechanism to switch between different wavelength ranges in accordance with the wavelength of an incoming light signal. The wavelength switching mechanism can include multiple optical assemblies (or elements) corresponding to the different wavelength ranges for processing the incoming light signal. The mechanism can also include a switching component for switching the optical assemblies to align the appropriate assembly with the incoming light signal. Each optical assembly can include one or more transmission gratings to disperse the incoming light signal into multiple wavelengths within a particular wavelength range and a reflecting mirror proximate to the grating(s) to reflect the wavelengths of light back through the grating(s) to photodetectors for measuring to wavelengths to generate a light spectrum. The spectrograph can be used in Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: An optical device for conditioning a multi-channel optical signal is provided, comprising a channel separation and assembly unit and a signal processor. The signal processor comprises an optical attenuator for adjusting the power level of the signals, an optical detector for detecting the power level associated with each of the multiple channels, a reflective medium disposed between the optical attenuator and detector, and a microprocessor-based controller in electrical communication with the attenuator and detector for dynamically controlling the power distribution of the output signal.

Abstract: An optical gain flattening filter for attenuating the wavelength power levels of an optical beam to a threshold value. The filter has a series of volume phase gratings which each have a loss spectrum. The sum of the loss spectra for the volume phase gratings is about equal to the opposite of the gain spectrum of the optical amplifier. As the optical beam passes through the volume phase gratings, the sum of the loss spectra is added to the gain spectrum of the optical amplifier such that the optical beam is attenuated to the threshold value.

Abstract: A device for expanding the wavelength band of an optical component is disclosed. The device has a beam splitter for splitting a wavelength division multiplexed beam into two beams at a desired separation angle. An optical grating separates the two beams into spectral components for each beam. The spectral components are focused on a receiving surface. The separation angle between the two beams expands the wavelength band of the WDM signal.

Abstract: An optical amplifier system for amplifying an input wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal with a first optical coupler to extract a portion of the power of the input signal, an erbium-doped fiber amplifier to generate an output signal and a second optical coupler to extract a portion of the power of the output signal. A spectral monitoring unit having a volume phase grating separates the extracted input and output signals into spectral components. A photo-detector array of the spectral monitoring unit determines the power level of the spectral components. The system further includes a controller operative to control the operation of the amplifier in response to the power levels of the spectral components.

Abstract: A process for forming an integrated optical device in a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having a base index of refraction; providing a UV light beam; focusing the beam on a portion of the substrate in order to form a region of increased refraction; and scanning an elongated region of the glass substrate with the beam in order to define at least one elongated optical channel having an increased index of refraction relative to the base index of refraction, the elongated optical channel for guiding light transmitted there along. The process further includes: forming a plurality of elongated optical channels in the substrate, wherein a first optical channel is operative for transmitting light to the plurality of elongated optical channels such that the transmitted light is divided among the plurality of elongated optical channels, thereby forming an optical beamsplitter.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring the optical performance of a plurality of different channels of a fiber optic network, each channel having an associated channel wavelength. The system includes: means for generating a calibration signal including a plurality of stable calibration wavelengths; means for combining a tapped communication signal and the calibration signal to generate a combined signal; and a multi-channel monitoring device.