Abstract: A reflectron lens for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and a method of making same are disclosed. The reflectron lens includes a glass tube having a conductive surface along the length of the tube. The conductive surface has an electrical resistance gradient along its length. The electrical resistance gradient provides an electric field interior to the tube that varies in strength along the length of the tube when an electric potential is applied to opposing ends of the tube. A mass spectrometer incorporating the reflectron lens, a method of making the reflectron lens, and an apparatus for removing lead from the surface of a lead silicate glass tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reflectron lens for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and a method of making same are disclosed. The reflectron lens includes a glass tube having a conductive surface along the length of the tube. The conductive surface has an electrical resistance gradient along its length. The electrical resistance gradient provides an electric field interior to the tube that varies in strength along the length of the tube when an electric potential is applied to opposing ends of the tube. A mass spectrometer incorporating the reflectron lens, a method of making the reflectron lens, and an apparatus for removing lead from the surface of a lead silicate glass tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microchannel plate and a method of making same are disclosed. The microchannel plate has an active area and at least one solid glass pad. The active area has a plurality of microchannels formed therein. The solid glass pad or pads are formed within the active area, and preferably at peripheral locations, for mounting the microchannel plate. With this arrangement, shrinkage of the microchannel plate during fabrication and hydration induced swelling of the active area after fabrication of the microchannel plate do not result in catastrophic warping or cracking of the microchannel plate.

Abstract: A detector assembly for a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer has a modular microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector and a replaceable MCP cartridge containing at least one MCP secured within the detector. The detector includes an integrated support for a voltage divider and high voltage connections. The detector is also adapted to be secured to a modified vacuum flange for the instrument.

Abstract: A simultaneous positive and negative ion detector including a microchannel plate having segments which are biased to attract positively and negatively charged particles.

Abstract: Reduced ion feedback in an electron multiplier (EM) is achieved by applying a higher than normal bias voltage to the EM and degassing the EM with a relatively high concentration of self-generated particles as a result of the applied bias voltage.