Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing ions by determining times of flight including using a deflectron based daughter ion selector for selecting daughter ions. Parent ions generated in an ion source may fragment to form daughter ions. Daughter ions may further fragment to form grand daughter ions. By selecting a specific type of daughter ion from ions formed in the ion source, one may obtain a grand daughter ion spectrum. According to the present invention, a deflectron based daughter ion selector, in the form of two deflectron and a set of selection plates, is used as a daughter ion selector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to accelerate ions using two or more electric fields which are spatially separated. Electric fields are used to accelerate ions. With electric fields of the proper strength and geometry, ions may be space focused so that ions of a given mass-to-charge arrive at a virtual object plane simultaneously. According to the present invention, a split field interface, in the form of a set of biased electrodes, is used to produce and adjust the position of a virtual object plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to direct ions away from their otherwise intended or parallel course. Deflectors are used to establish electric fields in regions through which ions are to pass. With such electric fields, ions may be deflected to a desired trajectory. According to the present invention, a multideflector, in the form of a series of bipolar plates spaced evenly across the ion beam path, is used as an ion deflector.