Abstract: An ion source is provided that includes a structured sample and a method for the ionization and/or its enhancement is provided, which preferably relies on field emission and/or field ionization processes. These processes can be brought about by structures with appropriate geometries, which cause a high electric field gradient at or near the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the throughput in time-of-flight mass spectrometers as well as a device for conducting the method.

Abstract: A method for the thermal stimulation of a geological gas hydrate formation (10) is described in which thermal energy is supplied to the gas hydrate formation (10) so that gas hydrates in the gas hydrate formation (10) are converted and gaseous components are released and the supplied thermal energy is delivered by an exothermal chemical reaction that takes place in a reactor (20) arranged in the gas hydrate formation (10). A device for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: A throttle valve (10), in particular for injecting a fluid into a geological formation, is described, which comprises a valve body (10) having a piston chamber (11), an annular piston (20) having a fluid channel (21), which extends from a high-pressure side (H) to a low-pressure side (L) of the throttle valve, with the annular piston (20) being displaceable within the piston chamber (11) and the fluid channel (21) being transmissive or closed depending on the position of the annular piston (20) in the piston chamber (11), and a cover plate (12) which is provided on the high-pressure side of the valve body (10) and through which the fluid channel (21) protrudes from the high-pressure side piston chamber (11), wherein the fluid channel (21) is closed in axial direction with a sealing disk (22) which can be rested tightly on the cover plate (12) on the high-pressure side, and the fluid channel (21) has a radial throttle opening (23) adjacent to the sealing disk (22).

Abstract: A gas membrane sampling device, particularly for geological investigations, comprises a membrane element including a liquid-tight, gas-permeable membrane, a filler material contained in and stabilizing the membrane element, and a connection cable being adapted for conducting gas out of the membrane element through a bore hole to a surface of the earth's. A gas sensor device for geological investigations, comprises the gas membrane sampling device and an analyzing device connected with the connection cable of the gas membrane sampling device. Furthermore, a method for the investigation of a geological formation is described.