Abstract: An ion funnel fabricated from at least three faces that are each formed from a printed circuit board is described. In one aspect the faces are arranged edge to edge and there is provided a set of guard rails proximal to the edges to bias ions away from the edges. In another aspect slots are provided within the circuit board to facilitate an escape of gases from within the funnel.

Abstract: Bubble plasma ionisation probe for analysing liquids by mass spectrometry. A means of a detecting analytes dissolved in a liquid by mass spectrometry is described. Gas flows from a source through a first conduit 105 and thereafter through a coaxial second conduit 103 that also serves as the inlet to the mass spectrometer 102. The coaxial arrangement of conduits is submerged in the liquid to be analysed 301. Using a feedback loop, the gas pressure is adjusted and controlled such that an attached bubble 302 forms at the open end of the first conduit 105. A plasma 305 is provided in the bubble. The plasma is preferably generated by a dielectric barrier discharge between a collar electrode 107 and mass spectrometer inlet 103. Analytes dissolved in the liquid are both desorbed form the gas-liquid interface and ionised by the action of the plasma. Ions formed in this way become entrained in the gas flow and are consequently transferred to the mass spectrometer, where they are analysed.

Abstract: A method for forming a miniature skimmer cone for a free jet expansion vacuum interface is disclosed. The skimmer cone is formed from electroplated metal, deposited inside a blind hole formed on a silicon substrate. The substrate is partially removed to expose the skimmer cone, together with other features formed by etching, and an outlet orifice is formed. A complete miniature vacuum interface is formed from the stacked assembly of a part containing an inlet orifice, a spacer, and the part containing a skimmer cone described above, mounted in an intermediate pressure chamber at the inlet to a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting mass information from low resolution mass-to-charge ratio spectra of multiply charged species is described. Curve fitting is performed using the logarithm of the mass to charge data, which deemphasizes noise induced disturbances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting mass information from low resolution mass-to-charge ratio spectra of multiply charged species is described. Curve fitting is performed using the logarithm of the mass to charge data, which deemphasizes noise induced disturbances.

Abstract: Monitoring biomolecule separations by mass spectrometry is described. The mixture to be separated is introduced into a first fluidic stream, which then passes through a chromatography column. Small samples are periodically taken from the first fluidic stream as it leaves the chromatography column and injected into a first branch of a second fluidic stream. Low molecular weight components detrimental to the efficient operation of the mass spectrometer are removed by an in-line dialysis cell. A second fraction of the second fluidic stream acts as the dialysate. In a second and preferred system provided in accordance with the present teaching, the first fraction of the second fluidic stream is further split downstream of the sampling mechanism through the use of a three-way connector. Approximately 0.3 to 5 microliters per minute continues through the dialysis cell and thereafter to the electrospray emitter of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A miniature mass spectrometer that may be coupled to an atmospheric pressure ionisation source is described. Ions pass through a small orifice from a region at atmospheric pressure or low vacuum, and undergo efficient collisional cooling as they transit a very short, differentially pumped ion guide. A narrow beam of low energy ions is passed through a small aperture and into a separate chamber containing the mass analyser.

Abstract: A microengineered multipole ion guide for use in miniature mass spectrometer systems is described. Exemplary methods of mounting rods in hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries are described. The rods forming the ion guide are supported by etched silicon structures provided on first and second substrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of mounting cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature electrostatic quadrupole, which can act as a quadrupole mass filter or a quadrupole ion guide, or be used in a linear quadrupole ion trap. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. The supports include a suspended flexure system to relieve strains caused by mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of the electrodes and the substrate. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers.

Abstract: A portable analytical system for the rapid on-site analysis of fluids, and a method for using this system at the well-site for the analysis of samples extracted from drilling fluids is described. The portable analytical solution may be deployed at the well-site and used to perform detailed real-time analysis of formation fluids and extracts of rock cuttings. The method described could be used during hydrocarbon exploration and production to determine whether the drill stem has passed through a hydrocarbon-bearing region, or rocks that are capable of functioning as an oil reservoir or that may have been a source rock, or that may have come into contact with oil, or that may contain oil at present.

Abstract: A method of mounting rods in quadrupole, hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries is described. First and second dies are used to hold the rods in the required configuration with the plurality of rods extending through each of the two dies. A coupling arrangement is used to separate the first and second dies, and also prevents motion in the plane of the dies. The rods are seated and retained against individual supports and arranged circumferentially about an intended ion beam axis. The supports are desirably fabricated from silicon bonded to a glass substrate, a support for a first rod being electrically isolated from a support for a second adjacent rod.

Abstract: A microengineered multipole ion guide for use in miniature mass spectrometer systems is described. Exemplary methods of mounting rods in hexapole, octupole, and other multipole geometries are described. The rods forming the ion guide are supported in etched silicon structures defined in at least first and second substrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning sets of cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature quadrupole electrostatic lens, which can act as a mass filter in a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. Complete segmentation of the conducting parts provides low capacitative coupling between co-planar cylindrical electrodes, and allows incorporation of a Brubaker prefilter to improve sensitivity at a given mass resolution. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers. The spacers are continued around the electrodes to provide a conducting screen.

Abstract: This invention describes an analytical system where a kinetic impact ionization source is combined with an RF-only ion guide to form a mass spectrometer system for analysis of the elemental and chemical composition of exoatmospheric particles. The kinetic impact ionization source may be used to transform a flux of particle debris into a beam of ions for analysis by a mass analyzer.

Abstract: This invention describes a vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer system formed from a diverging nozzle. The vacuum interface may be used to transfer a beam of ions from an atmospheric pressure ionization source into a vacuum chamber for analysis by a mass analyser.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionization source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.

Abstract: A miniature mass spectrometer that may be coupled to an atmospheric pressure ionisation source is described. Ions pass through a small orifice from a region at atmospheric pressure or low vacuum, and undergo efficient collisional cooling as they transit a very short, differentially pumped ion guide. A narrow beam of low energy ions is passed through a small aperture and into a separate chamber containing the mass analyser.

Abstract: A planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system is described. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.

Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.