Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments are disclosed for monitoring fast processes with large dynamic range using a multi-threshold TDC data acquisition method or a threshold ADC data acquisition method. Embodiments using a combination of both methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: A method and device for the gas-phase separation of ionic biomolecules including peptide, and protein or inorganic cluster ions or nanoparticles by ion mobility and for depositing them intact on a surface in a spatially addressable manner is described. The surface onto which the proteins are deposited can be modified for the purpose of constructing microarrays of biologically relevant materials or for promoting the growth of highly ordered protein crystals.

Abstract: A new detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is disclosed. This detection scheme allows extending the dynamic range of spectrometers operating with a counting technique (TDC). The extended dynamic range is achieved by constructing a multiple anode detector wherein the individual anodes detect different fractions of the incoming particles. Different anode fractions are achieved by varying the size, physical location, and electrical/magnetic fields of the various anodes. An anode with a small anode fraction avoids saturation and allows an ion detector to render an accurate count of ions even for abundant species.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: Improved ion focusing for an ion mobility drift cell allows for improved throughput for subsequent detection such as mass detection. Improved focusing is realized by the use of alternating regions of high and low electric fields in the ion mobility drift cell.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the laser desorption of biological molecular ions from surfaces by creating a surface localized MALDI particle matrix by ion implantation of low energy ionized clusters (gold, aluminum, etc.) or chemically derivatized clusters into the near surface region of the sample. MALDI analysis of the intact biomolecules on the surface or within a narrow subsurface region defined by the implantation range of the ions can then be performed by laser desorption into a mass spectrometer or, in a preferred embodiment, into a combined ion mobility orthogonal time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.

Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.