Abstract: Thermal management arrangements for analysis systems including a plasma source such as inductively-coupled-plasma are disclosed. An analysis system may include a plasma source configured to a plasma source configured to receive and ionize a sample to create an ionized sample, and an instrument such as a mass spectrometer or optical emission spectrometer configured to receive and analyze the ionized sample. A heat shield may be positioned between the plasma source and the instrument, and the heat shield may be constructed and arranged to direct heated gas and/or plasma from the plasma source away from the instrument. In some instances, the heated gas and/or plasma may be extracted from a chamber containing the plasma source.

Abstract: Thermal management arrangements for analysis systems including a plasma source such as inductively-coupled-plasma are disclosed. An analysis system may include a plasma source configured to a plasma source configured to receive and ionize a sample to create an ionized sample, and an instrument such as a mass spectrometer or optical emission spectrometer configured to receive and analyze the ionized sample. A heat shield may be positioned between the plasma source and the instrument, and the heat shield may be constructed and arranged to direct heated gas and/or plasma from the plasma source away from the instrument. In some instances, the heated gas and/or plasma may be extracted from a chamber containing the plasma source.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of ion interfaces are described that can provide higher sensitivities improved ion transmission and multiple operating modes. In some configurations, the ion interface may comprise a first element and a second element each of which can receive a non-zero voltage. In one configuration, the first element can be a hyperskimmer cone and the second element can be a cylindrical lens. Systems and methods using the interface are also described.

Abstract: A method for pumping a fluid includes providing a peristaltic pump including a contact wall, an opposing, movable compression element, and a flexible tube interposed between the contact wall and the compression element in a compressing region. The flexible tube has a tube lengthwise axis and a through passage. The flexible tube is displaceable relative to the compressing region between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The method includes: with the flexible tube in the first position, compressing the flexible tube between the compression element and the contact wall to thereby force the fluid through the through passage; thereafter displacing the flexible tube into the second position from the first position; and thereafter, with the flexible tube in the second position, compressing the flexible tube between the compression element and the contact wall to thereby force the fluid through the through passage.

Abstract: A method for pumping a fluid includes providing a peristaltic pump including a contact wall, an opposing, movable compression element, and a flexible tube interposed between the contact wall and the compression element in a compressing region. The flexible tube has a tube lengthwise axis and a through passage. The flexible tube is displaceable relative to the compressing region between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The method includes: with the flexible tube in the first position, compressing the flexible tube between the compression element and the contact wall to thereby force the fluid through the through passage; thereafter displacing the flexible tube into the second position from the first position; and thereafter, with the flexible tube in the second position, compressing the flexible tube between the compression element and the contact wall to thereby force the fluid through the through passage.

Abstract: A method for pumping a fluid includes providing a peristaltic pump including a contact wall, a movable compression element, and a flexible tube. The movable compression element opposes the contact wall. The contact wall and the compression element define a compressing region therebetween. The flexible tube is interposed between the contact wall and the compression element in the compressing region. The flexible tube has a tube lengthwise axis and inner and outer opposed wall surfaces. The inner wall surface defines a through passage to receive the fluid. The flexible tube is displaceable relative to the compressing region between a first position and a second position different from the first position.