Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an inductive coupled plasma source whose flame is near ground potential, an interface, a flight tube, and an analyzer that includes magnetic and electric sectors, and an ion detector, which detector is operated at high voltage for ion acceleration. The magnetic sector includes a magnet and pole pieces that are insulated electrically relative to the flight tube. The pressure within the interface preferably does not exceed 10.sup.-3 mbar. By varying the magnetic field and the acceleration potential, identification of a specified mass over defined time intervals is carried out. The disclosed mass spectrometer provides improved coupling between the plasma ion source and a double-focussing analyzer, while advantageously providing a low voltage regime for the plasma source.

Abstract: Slit means in spectrometers for the analysis of organic and inorganic substances, in particular in mass spectrometers, have hitherto been controlled for varying the slit widths by connecting them in a suitable manner to a metallic wire, through which an electric current flowed, under the influence of which the wire heats up and changes its length. The slit or diaphragm means connected to the wire were then displaced relative to the beam path. It is a great disadvantage that the diaphragms follow a change of the current for controlling the slit widths with a relatively long time delay, which is unacceptable for various types of measuring operation, in particular types of measuring operation under data system control. To eliminate this disadvantage, a device (11) is proposed which has at least one movable slit jaw (12) which is movable to and fro, substantially perpendicular to the beam path (16) and without delay, by a piezo-electric element (14).

Abstract: Automatically controllable loading apparatus for a mass spectrometer or like equipment comprises a rotatable disc for holding a plurality of sample carriers for successive movement into a transfer position. A push rod transfers successive sample carriers from the transfer position to a loading position. Guide means guide the push rod during its transfer movement. The guide means include a shut-off valve adjacent the loading position. Sealing means define in a fixed position between the valve and the transfer position at least one vacuum chamber adapted to be exhausted for the purpose of equalizing the pressure at opposite sides of said valve.

Abstract: A fraction obtained from a liquid chromatograph column is introduced into a cup-shaped collecting vessel 12 having a centrally apertured funnel-shaped bottom surface 14. A sample holder 13 is removably accommodated in the aperture, and after the evaporation of the fraction solvent the remaining residue 11 collects on or in the holder, which may then be removed and directly introduced into the ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer for further analysis.

Abstract: The ion detector of a mass spectrometer includes an accelerating electrode 10, 34, 38 disposed between the spectrometer discharge shutter 6 and a secondary electron multiplier 18. The electrode 10 is selectively energized by a high positive or negative voltage opposite the initial polarity of the ions by a source 16. Thus, a positively energized electrode draws in and accelerates negative ions, and strips away their electrons to leave them positively charged for further acceleration into the first dynode of the secondary electron multiplier.

Abstract: Organic samples from a liquid chromatograph are deposited on a conveyor belt which transports them into a vacuum chamber at the entry end of a mass spectrometer. The samples are ionized directly on the belt by particle bombardment or by means of a laser beam. Ionization is enhanced by applying an oxide layer to the belt, by neutralizing the image force, and by vaporizing alkali atoms on the belt to reduce the ionization potential.

Abstract: Organic samples 10 coming from a liquid chromatograph 11 are deposited on a conveyor belt 13 which transports them into a vacuum chamber at the entry end of a mass spectrometer. The samples are ionized directly on the belt by ion bombardment or using a gaseous charge carrier. Ionization is enhanced by applying an oxide layer to the belt, by neutralizing the image force, and by vaporizing alkali atoms on the belt to reduce the ionization potential.