Abstract: Novel methods and structures are disclosed herein which employ pseudorandom sequences to spatially arrange multiple sources in a pseudorandom source array. The pseudorandom source array can replace the single source in analytical instruments relying on spatial separation of the sample or the probe particles/waves emitted by the sources. The large number of sources in this pseudorandom source array enhances the signal on a position sensitive detector. A mathematical deconvolution process retrieves a spectrum with improved signal-to-noise ratio from the detector signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting particles, comprising a support element (1) and a plurality of electrically conductive structures (2) arranged on the support element (1), wherein the structures (2) are electrically insulated from each other and wherein each of the structures (2) can be electrically connected to an electronic read-out device, wherein an angle of incidence (?) is given between a beam direction of the particles and the support element (1), wherein a trough (3) is in each case arranged between a first structure (2) and a structure (2) adjacent to the first structure in the beam direction, wherein there is an at least partial overlap of the first structure (2) and the adjacent structure (2) in the beam direction.

Abstract: An ICP mass spectrometer comprising an ICP ion source, a mass analyzer having a magnetic sector field, a detector, an extraction element in the form of an ion funnel for transferring the generated ions into the mass analyzer and arranged between the ICP ion source and the mass analyzer, and a transport optics arranged between the ion funnel and the mass analyzer.

Abstract: Mass spectrometer systems for measuring mass/charge ratios of analytes are described. A mass spectrometer system includes a vacuum flange, a PCB base plate coupled to the vacuum flange, and an ion optic assembly coupled to the PCB base plate. The PCB base plate may include signal-processing electronics. The system may include an electrical cable coupled to the PCB base plate for supplying power, control, and I/O to the ion optic assembly and the signal processing electronics. Alternatively, a mass spectrometer system includes a PCB base plate and an ion optic assembly. The PCB base plate has a sealant portion and an electrical portion. The ion optic assembly is coupled to the electrical portion. The system may include a vacuum housing for enclosing the ion optic assembly. The vacuum housing is coupled to the sealant portion of the PCB base plate for sustaining a vacuum while the system is in operation.

Abstract: An integral gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system is assembled by attaching a gas chromatograph assembly on one side and a mass spectrometer assembly on the other side of a master flange. The gas chromatograph assembly is accurately positioned on a holder board integrally connected to the master flange. The mass spectrometry assembly is accurately positioned on a base plate that is integrally connected to the master flange.

Abstract: A focal plane detector assembly of a mass spectrometer includes an ion detector configured to detect ions crossing a focal plane of the spectrometer and an electrically conductive mesh lying in a plane parallel to the focal plane, positioned such that ions exiting a magnet of the mass spectrometer pass through the mesh before contacting the ion detector. The mesh is maintained at a low voltage potential, relative to a circuit ground, which shields ions passing through the magnet from high voltage charges from other devices, such as microchannel plate electron multipliers. The mesh may be mounted directly to the magnet or positioned some distance away. The detector array may include any suitable device, including a faraday cup detector array, a strip charge detector array, or a CCD detector array.

Abstract: A charged particle beam detection system that includes a Faraday cup detector array (FCDA) for position-sensitive charged particle beam detection is described. The FCDA is combined with an electronic multiplexing unit (MUX) that allows collecting and integrating the charge deposited in the array, and simultaneously reading out the same. The duty cycle for collecting the ions is greater than 98%. This multiplexing is achieved by collecting the charge with a large number of small and electronically decoupled Faraday cups. Because Faraday cups collect the charge independent of their charge state, each cup is both a collector and an integrator. The ability of the Faraday cup to integrate the charge, in combination with the electronic multiplexing unit, which reads out and empties the cups quickly compared to the charge integration time, provides the almost perfect duty cycle for this position-sensitive charged particle detector. The device measures further absolute ion currents, has a wide dynamic range from 1.

Abstract: Novel methods and structures are disclosed herein which employ pseudorandom sequences to spatially arrange multiple sources in a pseudorandom source array. The pseudorandom source array can replace the single source in analytical instruments relying on spatial separation of the sample or the probe particles/waves emitted by the sources. The large number of sources in this pseudorandom source array enhances the signal on a position sensitive detector. A mathematical deconvolution process retrieves a spectrum with improved signal-to-noise ratio from the detector signal.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer suitable to measure both positive and negative particles, such as ions for example in a vacuum chamber. This spectrometer is provided with a turnable permanent magnet segment, which provides the gap of a yoke with adequate magnetic flux having the appropriate direction to separate the positive or the negative particles. Changing the polarity adjusts the flight path of the ions. Thus, negatively charged ions and positively charged ions will follow similar flight paths under opposite polarities, permitting the use of a single array of detectors. One or more coils may be used in place of or in addition to the turnable permanent magnet segment in order to provide the appropriate magnetic flux to the gap, and/or facilitate the turning process of the turnable magnet segment. The turnable magnet and/or the coils may be inside or outside the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and methods for the preparative separation of components of mixtures using mass spectrometric methods. Nondestructive ionization methods are employed to generate ionized components of a mixture, the ionized components are spatially separated by mass and the mass-separated ion components are trapped. The ion source and mass spectrometric techniques employed allow the generation of large ion currents of ion components, on the order of nanoamps, which facilitate rapid accumulation of nanomole quantities of mass-separated components in relatively short times (minutes to hours).

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and methods for the preparative separation of components of mixtures using mass spectrometric methods. Nondestructive ionization methods are employed to generate ionized components of a mixture, the ionized components are spatially separated by mass and the mass-separated ion components are trapped. The ion source and mass spectrometric techniques employed allow the generation of large ion currents of ion components, on the order of nanoamps, which facilitate rapid accumulation of nanomole quantities of mass-separated components in relatively short times (minutes to hours).