Abstract: Analyte ions are analyzed first by field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) before being analyzed by a mass analyzer. Analyte ions are produced at near atmospheric pressure and transferred via a dielectric capillary into the vacuum system of the mass analyzer. While passing through the capillary, the ions are analyzed by FAIMS via electrodes on the interior wall of the capillary. Improved ion transmission is achieved by providing smooth geometric transitions between the channel in FAIMS analyzer and the channel in the remainder of the capillary.

Abstract: Analyte ions are analyzed first by field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) before being analyzed by a mass analyzer. Analyte ions are produced at near atmospheric pressure and transferred via a dielectric capillary into the vacuum system of the mass analyzer. While passing through the capillary, the ions are analyzed by FAIMS via electrodes on the interior wall of the capillary. Improved ion transmission is achieved by providing smooth geometric transitions between the channel in FAIMS analyzer and the channel in the remainder of the capillary.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer according to one embodiment can include first and second endcap electrodes, first and second outer ring electrodes, and a central ring electrode. The first outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first endcap electrode. The central ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first outer ring electrode. The second outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the central ring electrode. The second endcap electrode can be positioned downstream of the second outer ring electrode. The mass spectrometer can also include a radio frequency (RF) signal supply operable to apply an RF signal to the first and second outer ring electrodes to thereby generate a substantially octapolar field for trapping charged particles.

Abstract: Octapole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometers and Related Methods. A mass spectrometer according to one embodiment can include first and second endcap electrodes, first and second outer ring electrodes, and a central ring electrode. The first outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first endcap electrode. The central ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first outer ring electrode. The second outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the central ring electrode. The second endcap electrode can be positioned downstream of the second outer ring electrode. The mass spectrometer can also include a radio frequency (RF) signal supply operable to apply an RF signal to the first and second outer ring electrodes to thereby generate a substantially octapolar field for trapping charged particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mass spectrometers capable of performing electron (or positron) capture dissociation, methods of performing tandem mass spectrometry, methods of performing electron capture dissociation, and methods of performing positron capture dissociation. In one embodiment, a mass spectrometer capable of performing electron or positron capture dissociation is provided that comprises a first mass analyzer, a magnetic trap downstream of the first mass analyzer, a second mass analyzer downstream of the magnetic trap, and an electron or positron source positioned such that electrons or positrons may be supplied to the magnetic trap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mass spectrometers capable of performing electron (or positron) capture dissociation, methods of performing tandem mass spectrometry, methods of performing electron capture dissociation, and methods of performing positron capture dissociation. In one embodiment, a mass spectrometer capable of performing electron or positron capture dissociation is provided that comprises a first mass analyzer, a magnetic trap downstream of the first mass analyzer, a second mass analyzer downstream of the magnetic trap, and an electron or positron source positioned such that electrons or positrons may be supplied to the magnetic trap.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization device is provided that includes one or more electrospray needles and an ion sampling device. Each needle has a distal end for receiving a sample, a tip for spraying the sample in fluid communication with the distal end, and an electrical contact for contacting at least some portion of sample therein. The ion sampling device has an entrance, an exit, and an interior in fluid communication with the entrance and the exit, and is located in proximity to the tip or tips of the one or more electrospray needles. The entrance defines an opening that has a larger area than an opening defined by the exit. The ion sampling device also has a counter-electrical contact. The electrospray ionization device further comprises means for generating an electrical potential difference between the counter-electrical contact and the electrical contact(s) of the one or more electrospray needles.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization device is provided that includes one or more electrospray needles and an ion sampling device. Each needle has a distal end for receiving a sample, a tip for spraying the sample in fluid communication with the distal end, and an electrical contact for contacting at least some portion of sample therein. The ion sampling device has an entrance, an exit, and an interior in fluid communication with the entrance and the exit, and is located in proximity to the tip or tips of the one or more electrospray needles. The entrance defines an opening that has a larger area than an opening defined by the exit. The ion sampling device also has a counter-electrical contact. The electrospray ionization device further comprises means for generating an electrical potential difference between the counter-electrical contact and the electrical contact(s) of the one or more electrospray needles.

Abstract: A universal collisional activation ion trap comprises an ion trapping means containing a bath gas and having connected thereto a noise signal generator. A method of operating a universal collisional activation ion trap comprises the steps of: providing an ion trapping means; introducing into the ion trapping means a bath gas; and, generating a noise signal within the ion trapping means; introducing into the ion trapping means a substance that, when acted upon by the noise signal, undergoes collisional activation to form product ions.

Abstract: An atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization source that can be used in combination with an analytical instrument which operates at high vacuum, such as a mass spectrometer. The atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization source comprises a chamber with at least one pair of electrodes disposed therein, an inlet for a gaseous sample to be analyzed and an outlet communicating with an analyzer which operates at subatmospheric pressure. The ionization chamber is maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, and a voltage difference is applied across the electrodes to induce a glow discharge between the electrodes, so that molecules passing through the inlet are ionized by the glow discharge and directed into the analyzer. The ionization source accepts the sample under atmospheric pressure conditions and processes it directly into the high vacuum instrument, bridging the pressure gap and drawing off unwanted atmospheric gases.