Abstract: The invention relates to nanopore-based separation devices and systems, and methods and kits for using these. The devices may be used to separate and evaluate biopolymers such as nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing ions is described. The apparatus includes an ion source, an ion trap positioned to receive ions from the ion source; a time of flight mass analyzer, and a detector operatively coupled to the time of flight. The time of flight mass analyzer includes a pulser region, and the pulser region is positioned to receive ions from the ion trap. The apparatus further includes a scanning delay timing circuit in operable relation to the pulser region. The scanning delay timing circuit is adapted to triggering an extraction pulse at the pulser region. Methods of analyzing ions by mass spectrometry are also described.

Abstract: An unevenly segmented multipole is described. A mass spectrometer employing the unevenly segmented multipole is provided, as well as methods of analyzing ions by mass spectrometry using the unevenly segmented multipole.

Abstract: Ion guides and systems and methods for involving the use of ion guides are disclosed. Briefly described, one exemplary system, among others, includes an ion guide. The ion guide includes a first structure and a second structure. The second structure is coaxially disposed within the first structure. The second structure includes at least three groups of opening the through a wall of the second structure that are distributed around a circumference of the second structure. In addition, at least one of the group of openings is offset from the other groups of openings by a multiple of a constant rotation angle around the circumference of the second structure.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer comprising a drift tube having a central axis, along which a plurality of ring electrodes are arranged is provided. The plurality of ring electrodes provides a linear potential gradient along the central axis of the drift tube. In addition an RF voltage source coupled to the plurality of ring electrodes generates an oscillating RF potential within the internal region of each of the ring electrodes. The oscillating RF potential influences radial motion of the ions within the drift tube so that the ions remain within a radial space defined by the internal regions of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electrical fields within the ion flight path of a mass spectrometer are provided. Gratings having a planar array of parallel conductive strands and electrically connected to a voltage source are placed in the ion flight path so that at least a portion of the conductive strands traverses the flight path. The gratings may be arranged within the ion flight path so that the conductive strands of each of the gratings are aligned behind the conductive strands of a first grating, with respect to the ion flight path, thus providing high ion transmission.

Abstract: Adjustment systems, methods, computerized methods and computer readable-mediums that can be used in time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) to account for thermal drift or mechanical strain are provided.

Abstract: Mass spectometer system and method of use are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment of the mass spectrometry system, among others, includes a radio frequency multipole assembly, an inner structure, and a laser diode array system. The inner structure has an outside, an inside, and an opening. The inner structure substantially surrounds the radio frequency multipole assembly. The laser diode array system is disposed on the outside of the inner structure adjacent the side opening such that laser radiation emitted from the laser diode array system travels through the side opening.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry systems and methods are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment of the mass spectrometry system, among others, includes a mass spectrometer, a laser generator, and a sample substrate. The mass spectrometer includes a first end and a second end and the laser generator produces a laser radiation beam that travels along a first path. The sample substrate holds a sample at the first end of the mass spectrometer, where the sample produces a plurality of ions that travel along a second path that is substantially parallel the first path but towards the second end of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer comprising a drift tube having a central axis, along which a plurality of ring electrodes are arranged is provided. The plurality of ring electrodes provides a linear potential gradient along the central axis of the drift tube. In addition an RF voltage source coupled to the plurality of ring electrodes generates an oscillating RF potential within the internal region of each of the ring electrodes. The oscillating RF potential influences radial motion of the ions within the drift tube so that the ions remain within a radial space defined by the internal regions of the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for manipulating charged particles. The charged particles are directed from a source thereof into a zone. A first electrical potential is generated in the zone. Simultaneously, a second electrical potential is generated outside the zone. The second electrical potential penetrates into the zone and combines with the first electrical potential to form an oscillating electric potential field having predetermined characteristics sufficient to manipulate the charged particles. The manipulating of the charged particles includes, e.g., transporting, collisional cooling, collisional induced dissociating and collisional focusing. In one embodiment an apparatus comprises a hollow first element and a hollow second element. The second element is disposed within the first element. The second element has at least two openings in a wall thereof. The openings are elongated and radially disposed with respect to the axis of the second element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for conducting procedures of tandem mass spectrometry using a single quadrupole mass analyzer. In one embodiment of the present invention a mass spectrometry apparatus comprises a single quadrupole mass analyzer having a first end opposite a second end. A source of charged particles is adjacent the first end of the quadrupole mass analyzer and a gate for controlling passage of charged particles is present between the source of charged particles and the first end. The apparatus further comprises a first element between the gate and the first end, a second element adjacent the second end, and a detector for detecting charged particles, or fragments thereof, exiting the quadrupole mass analyzer. In a method in accordance with the invention, charged particles from a source thereof are directed into the quadrupole mass analyzer to select charged particles by their mass to charge ratio.

Abstract: Adjustment systems, methods, computerized methods and computer readable-mediums that can be used in time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) to account for thermal drift or mechanical strain are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electrical fields within the ion flight path of a mass spectrometer are provided. Gratings having a planar array of parallel conductive strands and electrically connected to a voltage source are placed in the ion flight path so that at least a portion of the conductive strands traverses the flight path. The gratings may be arranged within the ion flight path so that the conductive strands of each of the gratings are aligned behind the conductive strands of a first grating, with respect to the ion flight path, thus providing high ion transmission.

Abstract: A method of providing ions to a mass spectrometer having an interface member with an orifice through which ions are received for analysis. A fluid is provided at a capillary tip of an electrospray ionization source and a potential difference applied between the tip and the interface member so as to direct an ion beam from the tip toward and through the orifice. A field enhancing potential is applied at an auxiliary electrode so as to increase the electric field gradient from the capillary tip at least part way toward the interface member. A focussing potential may be applied to the auxiliary electrode to generate an electric field which decreases beam divergence from at least part way toward the interface member. Both the field enhancing and focusing potential may alternately be applied to the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for manipulating charged particles. The charged particles are directed from a source thereof into a zone. A first electrical potential is generated in the zone. Simultaneously, a second electrical potential is generated outside the zone. The second electrical potential penetrates into the zone and combines with the first electrical potential to form an oscillating electric potential field having predetermined characteristics sufficient to manipulate the charged particles. The manipulating of the charged particles includes, e.g., transporting, collisional cooling, collisional induced dissociating and collisional focusing. In one embodiment an apparatus comprises a hollow first element and a hollow second element. The second element is disposed within the first element. The second element has at least two openings in a wall thereof. The openings are elongated and radially disposed with respect to the axis of the second element.

Abstract: The invention provides mass spectrometer systems, including time-of-flight mass spectrometers, and methods of performing mass spectroscopy. The systems are capable of operating in tandem or conventional mode. The systems include an ion reflector that, when operating in tandem mode, provides a discontinuous voltage to control the collision energy of the parent ions with the dissociation element. By controlling the collision energy, particular compositional information from the sample may be examined, such as specific bonding energies.

Abstract: A technique that modulates the power of a inductively coupled plasma (ICP) according to the operative modes of a spectrometer. An analytical apparatus of the present invention contains an inductively coupled plasma generator (ICPG) and a spectrometer. The ICPG generates a plasma for forming ionic and excited molecular species from a sample. The spectrometer analyzes the ionic and excited molecular species formed. The spectrometer operates in an analysis mode wherein the ionic and excited molecular species are identified according to physical characteristics of the species to provide data on the species and further has a washout mode wherein the spectrometer flushes out interfering ions and molecules and provides no significant data on the sample. The controller modulates the ICPG to operate in power cycles, at each cycle the ICPG operates in an analysis period and a stand-by period. By modulating the plasma power, the power consumption and heat dissipation can be reduced.

Abstract: A technique that modulates the power of a inductively coupled plasma (ICP) according to the operative modes of a spectrometer. An analytical apparatus of the present invention contains an inductively coupled plasma generator (ICPG) and a spectrometer. The ICPG generates a plasma for forming ionic and excited molecular species from a sample. The spectrometer analyzes the ionic and excited molecular species formed. The spectrometer operates in an analysis mode wherein the ionic and excited molecular species are identified according to physical characteristics of the species to provide data on the species and further has a washout mode wherein the spectrometer flushes out interfering ions and molecules and provides no significant data on the sample. The controller modulates the ICPG to operate in power cycles, at each cycle the ICPG operates in an analysis period and a stand-by period. By modulating the plasma power, the power consumption and heat dissipation can be reduced.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is disclosed having improved signal to noise characteristics and the ability to reject specific signal ions. The mass spectrometer includes a plasma source that generates the ions, a ion pulser that directs ions toward an ion detector, and a retarding grid assembly charged to repel noise ions. The retarding grid assembly maintains at least a predetermined minimum potential sufficient to repel all ions, except those which have been deliberately sampled by a deliberate pulse of the ion pulser. As a result, noise ions which unintentionally escape the ion pulser are repelled by the retarding grid assembly, and mass peaks are more easily detected and distinguished from background noise. Specific ions of the desired signal are also selectively rejected by stepping up the potential of the retarding grid assembly at a predetermined time calculated to correspond to the time-of-flight of the specific ions from the ion pulser.