Abstract: A method manufactures a multipolar electrode device, in particular a multipole for use in a mass spectrometer, wherein the electrode device includes at least one main filter and at least one pre- and/or postfilter. The electrode blanks are separated in several sections for producing the pre- and/or postfilters, which are thereby maintained by a holder in a constant relative position to each other. Moreover, an electrode device may be used in a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer may have such a multipolar electrode device.

Abstract: A sealing surface, in particular for a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer and an associated manufacturing process, has non-circular shapes and can be produced with low effort. The sealing surface has circumferential cracks, being produced by erosion or jet machining or indentation-forming. A method manufactures such a sealing surface, a component has such a sealing surface, a vacuum chamber is made of components with such sealing surfaces and a mass spectrometer has such a vacuum chamber. In the prior art annular sealing surfaces are produced by turning. Milling permits a non-annular embodiment but is disadvantageous in case of sealing.

Abstract: A method manufactures a multipolar electrode device, in particular a multipole for use in a mass spectrometer, wherein the electrode device includes at least one main filter and at least one pre- and/or postfilter. The electrode blanks are separated in several sections for producing the pre- and/or postfilters, which are thereby maintained by a holder in a constant relative position to each other. Moreover, an electrode device may be used in a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer may have such a multipolar electrode device.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multipolar electrode configuration (1) for focussing or mass filtration of a beam of charged particles includes attaching a number of round-pole shaped electrode blanks (9)—but only a fraction of the total number of electrodes (2) required for said electrode configuration (1)—to one or a number of support elements (4); simultaneous processing of the end parts (6) of the support element(s) (4) and of the electrode blanks (9) attached to the support element(s) (4) in one process step in such a way that each electrode blank (9) is processed into an electrode (2) with a cross section, having a circular section (KA) and a non-circular, section (HA), and at the end of said simultaneous processing the support element(s) (4) having two differently shaped end parts (6), whereby the respective shapes of said end parts (6) are adapted to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a multipolar electrode configuration (1) for focussing or mass filtration of a beam of charged particles, whereby the configuration comprises a number of elongated electrodes (2), which are orientated parallel to an axis, whereby the method comprises the following steps: a) attaching a number of round-pole shaped electrode blanks (9)—but only a fraction of the total number of electrodes (2) required for said electrode configuration (1)—to one or a number of support elements (4); b) simultaneous processing of the end parts (6) of the support element(s) (4) and of the electrode blanks (9) attached to this (these) support element(s) (4) in one process step in such a way that each electrode blank (9) is processed into an electrode (2) with a cross section, having a circular section (KA) and a non-circular, preferably substantially hyperbolical section (HA), and at the end of said simultaneous processing the support element(s) (4) having two differently shape

Abstract: In mass spectrometers with a plasma ion source (ICP-MS), a high ion current takes effect on the entrance of the ion optical system. The components provided there, especially lenses and apertures, have hitherto been made of steel. Atoms and ions are released from the surface of the components by a sputtering effect. This results in a correspondingly spoiling background signal and in losses in the quality of the analysis. To avoid the described effects, the components which are subjected to ion bombardment are made of graphite. The sputter rate and the ion yield of the carbon are much lower than those of steel (iron, nickel and chromium).

Abstract: A slit is disposed as diaphragm in the beam path of a mass spectrometer. The slit width is to be variable in the simplest possible manner. Manual, electric motor-driven, thermoelectric or piezoelectric adjustment devices are known. According to the invention a pneumatic adjustment is provided. A Bourdon tube (12) moves a lever (14), at one end (18) of which slits (19, 20, 21) of differing slit widths are disposed. The lever movements are limited by abutments (22, 23).