Abstract: Ion optics devices and related methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein that generally involve forming a plurality of electrode structures on a single substrate. An aspect ratio of the structures relative to a plurality of recesses which separate the structures can be selected so as to substantially prevent ions passing through the finished device from contacting exposed, electrically-insulating portions of the substrate. The substrate material can be a material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine into complex shapes with high precision (e.g., a printed circuit board material). In some embodiments, discrete ion optical elements are disclosed which can be formed from a core material to which an electrically-conductive coating is applied, the core material being relatively inexpensive and easy to machine with high precision. The coating can be configured to substantially prevent outgassing from the core under the vacuum conditions typically experienced in a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Ion optics devices and related methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein that generally involve forming a plurality of electrode structures on a single substrate. An aspect ratio of the structures relative to a plurality of recesses which separate the structures can be selected so as to substantially prevent ions passing through the finished device from contacting exposed, electrically-insulating portions of the substrate. The substrate material can be a material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine into complex shapes with high precision (e.g., a printed circuit board material). In some embodiments, discrete ion optical elements are disclosed which can be formed from a core material to which an electrically- conductive coating is applied, the core material being relatively inexpensive and easy to machine with high precision. The coating can be configured to substantially prevent outgassing from the core under the vacuum conditions typically experienced in a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A lens assembly for use in mass spectrometry and a method for reducing contaminant build up on ion optic components in a lens assembly for use in a mass spectrometer are disclosed herein. In various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the lens assembly comprises a plurality of ion optic components assembled to form an ion lens and a heater. The plurality of ion optic components has a generally similar expansion coefficient. The heater is operatively coupled to the ion optic components. The heater heats the ion optic components to reduce the accumulation of debris on the ion optic components. In various embodiments, the method includes receiving, in a lens assembly, ions from an ion source. The lens assembly includes a plurality of ion optic components assembled to form an ion lens, the plurality of ion optic components having a generally similar expansion coefficient. The method also comprises heating the ion optic components to a first temperature.

Abstract: A lens assembly for use in mass spectrometry and a method for reducing contaminant build up on ion optic components in a lens assembly for use in a mass spectrometer are disclosed herein. In various embodiments of applicant's teachings, the lens assembly comprises a plurality of ion optic components assembled to form an ion lens and a heater. The plurality of ion optic components has a generally similar expansion coefficient. The heater is operatively coupled to the ion optic components. The heater heats the ion optic components to reduce the accumulation of debris on the ion optic components. In various embodiments, the method includes receiving, in a lens assembly, ions from an ion source. The lens assembly includes a plurality of ion optic components assembled to form an ion lens, the plurality of ion optic components having a generally similar expansion coefficient. The method also comprises heating the ion optic components to a first temperature.