Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for separating ions produced at an electrospray ionization source, based upon the high field mobility properties of the ions. An apparatus according to the instant invention includes a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) having an analyzer region defined by a space between an inner electrode (32) and an outer electrode (34). In particular, the outer electrode includes an ion inlet (38) for introducing ions into a first portion of the analyzer region and an ion outlet (56) for extracting ions from a second portion of the analyzer region. The FAIMS is characterized in that a gas-directing conduit (48) is provided through at least a portion of the inner electrode. In particular, the gas-directing conduit includes an opening at a first end thereof for supporting fluid communication between the gas-directing conduit and the first portion of the analyzer region.

Abstract: A method of separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region for separating ions, and establishing a temperature gradient across the FAIMS analyzer region to controllably affect ion focusing in the FAIMS analyzer region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for improving at least one of a peak separation and a signal intensity relating to an ion of interest being transmitted through an analyzer region of a FAIMS apparatus. A method according to the instant invention includes a step of introducing ions including an ion of interest into an analyzer region of a FAIMS. A flow of a doped carrier gas other than air is also provided through the analyzer region. The doped carrier gas includes a carrier gas and a trace amount of a predetermined dopant gas, the predetermined dopant gas selected for improving at least one of a peak separation and a signal intensity relating to the ion of interest relative to the peak separation and the signal intensity relating to the ion of interest in the presence of the carrier gas only. The ion of interest is selectively transmitted through the analyzer region in the presence of the doped carrier gas, and detected at a detector.

Abstract: Provided is a side-to-side high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) including a generally cylindrically-shaped inner electrode having a length. Encircling the inner electrode is a generally cylindrically-shaped outer electrode assembly comprising at least first and second and third outer electrode segments. Each of the outer electrode segments has a channel extending therethrough and open at opposite ends thereof. In an assembled condition, the second a outer electrode segment is disposed intermediate the first and third outer electrode segments in an end-to-end arrangement, each one of the first and second and third electrode segments overlapping a different portion of the length of the inner electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with optical based detection of selectively transmitted ions. Light from a light source is directed through an optical port in an electrode of the FAIMS. A light detector is provided for receiving light that is one of transmitted and scattered by the selectively transmitted ions within the FAIMS.

Abstract: A crossbow having a stock with opposed longitudinal ends including a forward end to which is mounted a bow and a rearward end for engaging the shoulder of a user, includes a foot stirrup mounted to the stock forward end and interposed between the stock forward end and the bow, such that a user's foot is insertable into such stirrup to support the crossbow for cocking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating and enriching stable isotopes in gas phase using the principles of high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry, substantially at atmospheric pressure (760 torr) and substantially at room temperature (298 K). Specifically, the method of the present invention may be used to separate and enrich isotopes of chlorine. Electrospray ionization may be used to generate a gaseous mixture of ions and the ion beam exiting the high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer may be sampled into a mass spectrometer for isotope identification.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing ions from a plurality of ionization sources includes a FAIMS analyzer including an inner electrode and an outer electrode, the outer electrode having a plurality of spaced-apart ion inlet orifices and a single ion outlet orifice. A plurality of non-trapping FAIMS analyzers is disposed adjacent to the FAIMS analyzer. Each non-trapping FAIMS analyzer of the plurality of non-trapping FAIMS analyzers has a single ion outlet orifice in communication with one ion inlet orifice of the plurality of ion inlet orifices of the FAIMS analyzer, and each non-trapping FAIMS analyzer has a single ion inlet orifice for supporting introduction of ions into the non-trapping FAIMS.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions produced by an inductively coupled plasma ionization technique is disclosed. Ions produced within the plasma source are provided to a FAIMS analyzer within a low pressure chamber of a mass spectrometer and in fluid communication with the plasma source for receiving ions therefrom. The ions are separated in FAIMS and at least some of the ions are provided to the mass spectrometer after separation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with optical based detection of selectively transmitted ions. Light from a light source is directed through an optical port in an electrode of the FAIMS. A light detector is provided for receiving light that is one of transmitted and scattered by the selectively transmitted ions within the FAIMS.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for selectively transmitting ions with a FAIMS analyzer in which a flow of carrier gas of a mixed composition is provided. Ions that are transmitted at a same combination of applied potentials when a first carrier gas is provided are in certain cases transmitted at different combinations of applied potentials when a second other carrier gas having a different composition is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for separating ions in the gas phase. An apparatus according to the instant invention includes a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer including an inner electrode having an outer surface and a length. The apparatus further includes an outer electrode having an inner surface and a length and surrounding the inner electrode over at least a portion of the length of the inner electrode, the inner electrode and the outer electrode defining an analyzer region therebetween and being disposed in a spaced apart arrangement for allowing ions to propagate therebetween. The outer electrode also includes an outlet from the analyzer region and at least a first ion inlet and a second distinct ion inlet into the analyzer region. The first ion inlet and the second distinct ion inlet are each for communicating with at least one ionization source.

Abstract: A high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) having spherical electrode geometry is disclosed. The spherical FAIMS includes an inner generally spherical electrode supported in a spaced-apart arrangement relative to an outer electrode. The outer electrode has a curved inner surface that maintains an approximately uniform spacing to the inner electrode. The space between the inner and outer electrodes defines an analyzer region, where an electric field is established by the application of an asymmetric waveform voltage and a direct current compensation voltage to at least one of the inner and outer electrodes. An ion inlet and an ion outlet are disposed within the curved inner surface of the outer electrode such that the shortest distance between the inlet and the outlet in any direction around the inner electrode is approximately a same distance.

Abstract: A method for selectively transmitting ions using a FAIMS device is disclosed. A first analyzer region is defined by a space between first and second spaced apart electrodes. A second analyser region is provided in operational communication with the first analyzer region. Ions are provided to the first analyzer region. The ions are coupled from the first analyser region to the second analyzer region. An asymmetric waveform is used to generate an electric field within the first analyser region and a compensation voltage is applied to prevent some ions from exiting the analyser region. Conditions are provided within the second analyzer region for effecting a second different separation of ions therein. Finally, the separated ions are trapped to accumulate ions within a trapping region thereof.

Abstract: A method for selectively transmitting ions using a FAIMS device is disclosed. A first analyzer region is defined by a space between first and second spaced apart electrodes. A second analyser region is provided in operational communication with the first analyzer region. Ions are provided to the first analyzer region. The ions are coupled from the first analyser region to the second analyzer region. An asymmetric waveform is used to generate an electric field within the first analyser region and a compensation voltage is applied to prevent some ions from exiting the analyser region. Conditions are provided within the second analyzer region for effecting a second different separation of ions therein. Finally, the separated ions are trapped to accumulate ions within a trapping region thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for separating ions in the gas phase. An apparatus according to the instant invention includes a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer including an inner electrode having an outer surface and a length. The apparatus further includes an outer electrode having an inner surface and a length and surrounding the inner electrode over at least a portion of the length of the inner electrode, the inner electrode and the outer electrode defining an analyzer region therebetween and being disposed in a spaced apart arrangement for allowing ions to propagate therebetween. The outer electrode also includes an outlet from the analyzer region and at least a first ion inlet and a second distinct ion inlet into the analyzer region. The first ion inlet and the second distinct ion inlet are each for communicating with at least one ionization source.

Abstract: A high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) having spherical electrode geometry is disclosed. The spherical FAIMS includes an inner generally spherical electrode supported in a spaced-apart arrangement relative to an outer electrode. The outer electrode has a curved inner surface that maintains an approximately uniform spacing to the inner electrode. The space between the inner and outer electrodes defines an analyzer region, where an electric field is established by the application of an asymmetric waveform voltage and a direct current compensation voltage to at least one of the inner and outer electrodes. An ion inlet and an ion outlet are disposed within the curved inner surface of the outer electrode such that the shortest distance between the inlet and the outlet in any direction around the inner electrode is approximately a same distance.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a device for heating the sample stream inlet of an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) sensor. The heating device increases the temperature of the sample stream inlet surface to reduce the amount of time between adsorption and desorption taking place on the surface. This greatly improves the ability of the IMS sensor to follow rapidly changing analyte concentration levels. An alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flow smoothing device for decreasing the turbulence present in the fluid flow entering the IMS sensor's carrier stream inlet. This flow smoothing insert permits increasing the fluid flow rate entering the IMS sensor's carrier stream inlet to levels which maximize the IMS sensor's measurement sensitivity without causing mixing of the sample and carrier fluid stream flows.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions produced by an inductively coupled plasma ionization technique is disclosed. Ions produced within the plasma source are provided to a FAIMS analyzer within a low pressure chamber of a mass spectrometer and in fluid communication with the plasma source for receiving ions therefrom. The ions are separated in FAIMS and at least some of the ions are provided to the mass spectrometer after separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating ions having the same mass to charge ratio but different ion mobility characteristics, based on the ion focussing principles of high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry. Isomers including gas-phase molecular anions of the amino acids leucine and isoleucine are separable by the method of the present invention. Identification of different conformers of ions at the same charge state, including conformers present at certain charge states of the protein bovine ubiquitin, is also possible using the method of the present invention.