Abstract: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) systems, devices, and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an IMS system includes an ionization region configured to receive and ionize a sample into ionized molecules and a detector configured to detect ionized molecules. The IMS system also includes a drift region in between and directly coupled to both the ionization region and the detector. The drift tube includes a first ion gate proximate the ionization region and a second ion gate proximate the detector. The first and second ion gates are configured to alternately introduce a batch of ionized molecules toward the detector while the other is maintained open, thereby allowing accurate measurement of a drift time of the ionized molecules corresponding to a drift length that is a distance between the first and second ion gates.

Abstract: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) systems, devices, and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an IMS system includes an ionization region configured to receive and ionize a sample into ionized molecules and a detector configured to detect ionized molecules. The IMS system also includes a drift region in between and directly coupled to both the ionization region and the detector. The drift tube includes a first ion gate proximate the ionization region and a second ion gate proximate the detector. The first and second ion gates are configured to alternately introduce a batch of ionized molecules toward the detector while the other is maintained open, thereby allowing accurate measurement of a drift time of the ionized molecules corresponding to a drift length that is a distance between the first and second ion gates.

Abstract: A chemical analysis method for detecting, identifying and reporting contraband, illegal drugs, explosives, toxic chemicals, decaying animal and vegetable matter, and concealed human beings located in secure spaces such as cargo shipping containers. Chemical analysis results are accumulated and added to effect definitive analyses over extended periods of time while the containers are in transit. Individual containers are equipped with a device employing the method. The analysis method consists of accumulation and addition of analytical chemical instrumentation, measurements of trace quantities of target chemical vapors inside of shipping containers while the containers are in transit.

Abstract: A chemical analysis method for detecting, identifying and reporting contraband, illegal drugs, explosives, toxic chemicals, decaying animal and vegetable matter, and concealed human beings located in secure spaces such as cargo shipping containers. Chemical analysis results are accumulated and added to effect definitive analyses over extended periods of time while the containers are in transit. Individual containers are equipped with a device employing the method. The analysis method consists of accumulation and addition of analytical chemical instrumentation, measurements of trace quantities of target chemical vapors inside of shipping containers while the containers are in transit.

Abstract: A chemical sampling apparatus including an interface between a miniature mobility spectrometer and a gas chromatography system. The apparatus has a gas chromatography an ion mobility spectrometer and an input for inputting a regulated flow of a gas to be analyzed to the gas chromatograph. An interface is positioned between the gas chromatograph and the ion mobility spectrometer. The interface accepts and analyzes eluted gas from the gas chromatograph and selectively inputs the eluted gas to the ion mobility spectrometer only when an eluted gas condition to be analyzed is detected.