Abstract: An IMS device is provided that includes at least one surface, first and second pluralities of electrodes disposed on the surface, and an ion path having first and second accumulation regions and a separation region. The IMS device is configured to receive, guide, temporally separate, and discharge ions. Each accumulation region is configured to switch between accumulation and release states in which ions are accumulated and released therefrom, respectively. The separation region is positioned downstream of the first accumulation region and configured to temporally separate ions based on mobility. The first accumulation region is synchronized with a downstream mass filter while the second accumulation region is dependent upon the state of a gating element, which is positioned downstream of the IMS device and configured to control the flow of ions to a mass analyzer. A method in accordance with the foregoing is also provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing fragmentation of ions generated from a sample during transport of the ions through an ion transport apparatus that comprises an ion funnel portion, comprises: applying a selected DC potential difference between an outlet end of the ion transport apparatus and an exit ion lens that is disposed adjacent to the outlet end, wherein a sign of the selected DC potential difference is chosen so as to accelerate the ions from the outlet end of the ion transport apparatus towards and through the exit ion lens.

Abstract: A method of reducing fragmentation of ions generated from a sample during transport of the ions through an ion transport apparatus that comprises an ion funnel portion, comprises: applying a selected DC potential difference between an outlet end of the ion transport apparatus and an exit ion lens that is disposed adjacent to the outlet end, wherein a sign of the selected DC potential difference is chosen so as to accelerate the ions from the outlet end of the ion transport apparatus towards and through the exit ion lens.