Abstract: A detector system for detecting trace molecules. The detector includes an ion trap that is coupled to an ionizer and a detector. The system also includes a controller that can generate voltage potentials within the ion trap. The controller can generate a voltage waveform to isolate one or more ions within the ion trap. The controller can then generate a voltage to dissociate the isolated ion(s). The controller can vary the dissociating voltage to dissociate and detect different ions. For example, the controller may vary the amplitude of the voltage to dissociate a target ion. Other techniques are described which generally improve the speed of detecting different target ions.

Abstract: A detector system that can analyze multiple samples with a single detector. The detector may contain a portal with a first opening and a second opening. A first sample is obtained from the first opening and a second sample is obtained from the second opening. The openings are coupled to a single detector that can analyze both samples.

Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.

Abstract: A detector that may contain a glow discharge ionizer and a photo-ionizer. The existence of both ionizers may increase the accuracy and number of chemical compounds that can be simultaneously monitored for chemical screening applications. The detector is particularly useful for screening explosives, chemical agents, and other illicit chemicals.

Abstract: A detector system that contains two inlet port coupled to a photoionization chamber. One inlet port allows for the introduction of a test sample. The test sample may contain contaminants, drugs, explosive, etc. that are to be detected. The other port allows for the simultaneous introduction of a standard sample. The standard sample can be used to calibrate and/or diagnose the detector system. Simultaneous introduction of the standard sample provides for real time calibration/diagnostics of the detector during detection of trace molecules in the test sample. The photoizonizer ionizes the samples which are then directed into a mass detector for detection of trace molecules. The detector system may also include inlet embodiments that allow for vaporization of liquid samples introduced to a low pressure photoionizer.

Abstract: A detector system that contains two inlet port coupled to a photoionization chamber. One inlet port allows for the introduction of a test sample. The test sample may contain contaminants, drugs, explosive, etc. that are to be detected. The other port allows for the simultaneous introduction of a standard sample. The standard sample can be used to calibrate and/or diagnose the detector system. Simultaneous introduction of the standard sample provides for real time calibration/diagnostics of the detector during detection of trace molecules in the test sample. The photoizonizer ionizes the samples which are then directed into a mass detector for detection of trace molecules. The detector system may also include inlet embodiments that allow for vaporization of liquid samples introduced to a low pressure photoionizer.

Abstract: A monitor that has multiple ioniziation sources that can be switched between different modes. The monitor may have an electrostatic ionizer and a photoionizer that ionize at approximately atmospheric pressure. Activation of the ionizers is controlled by a switch. The switch can activate the ionizers in accordance with a plurality of modes. For example, the switch may create modes where the ionizers are activated sequentially or simultaneously. The monitor may further have a chemical ionizer that is controlled by the switch to activate in a plurality of modes. The modes may be switched to detect different trace molecules of a sample loaded into an ionization chamber. The ionizers are preferably located at orthogonal angles relative to each other.

Abstract: A high speed analog to digital converter (“ADC”) that can be used in a detector system. The ADC is coupled to a detector and a processor. The detector generates an analog signal in response to the detection of a trace sample, such as an ionized molecule or a beam of light. The processor determines a baseline value and threshold value. Portions of the analog signal at or below the threshold are assigned the baseline value. The threshold typically corresponds to a value above the noise level in the system. The detector thus removes undesirable noise from the readout value. The process can compensate for factors such as DC drift while providing accurate data regarding detection of the trace sample.

Abstract: A monitor that can detect a trace molecule that is ionized at approximately one atmosphere. The molecule is ionized with a photoionizer and detected by a detector. The monitor may include a number of techniques to introduce a sample into the photoionizer at approximately one atmosphere. One technique includes creating an electrically charged spray that is directed into the ionizer. The photoionizer may include a plurality of light sources that each ionize the sample with a different radiation energy.

Abstract: A monitor that can detect at least one trace molecule in a gas sample. The monitor may include a photoionizer that is coupled to an electron-ionization mass spectrometer. The photoionizer may ionize the gas sample at a wavelength(es) which ionizes the trace molecules without creating fragmentation. The inclusion of the electron-ionizer may allow alternate or additional ionization to detect trace molecules not ionized by the photoionizer. The gas sample may be ionized at atmospheric pressure which increases the yield of the ionized trace molecules and the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A high speed mass spectrometer system capable of detecting in real-time multiple compounds in complex environments. This system includes a continuous ionization source coupled to a quadrupole ion trap to store ions, to filter ions for detection, to resonantly excite the ion trajectories to cause them to dissociate for more detailed analysis. This system includes a dual ionization configuration to cover broad and disparate classes of compounds. A glow discharge source is used to attach electrons to molecules with high electrons affinity. A photoionization source is used to detach electrons from molecules with low ionization potentials.

Abstract: A monitor that can detect at least one trace molecule in a gas sample. The monitor may include a photoionizer that is coupled to an electron-ionization mass spectrometer. The photoionizer may ionize the gas sample at a wavelength(es) which ionizes the trace molecules without creating fragmentation. The inclusion of the electron-ionizer may allow alternate or additional ionization to detect trace molecules not ionized by the photoionizer. The gas sample may be ionized at atmospheric pressure which increases the yield of the ionized trace molecules and the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A monitor that photo-ionizes trace constituents within a quadrupole ion trap (QIT). The QIT may have a valve that discharges a gas specimen into a trap chamber or a gas line that continuously discharges a gas specimen into the QIT. The trap chamber is surrounded by a ring, and an extractor plate that has an orifice. The trace molecules within the air may be ionized at the nozzle of the valve by a photo-ionizer. Photo-ionizing at the valve nozzle provides a relatively high density of ionized molecules. The photo-ionizer may be either a pulsed light source or a continuous wave light source. The trace molecules are preferably ionized with energy between 8.0 and 11.0 electron volts (eV). The energy is selected to ionize the trace molecules without fragmenting the trace constituents. A radio frequency or other oscillating frequency voltage potential is applied to the ring to trap the ionized trace molecules within the trap chamber.