Abstract: A control system for controlling a magnet of a magnetic sector mass spectrometer comprises a magnetic field sensor for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet and generating an output representative thereof; a set point generator configured to generate an output representative of, or related to, a desired magnetic field of the magnet; and a digital controller configured to receive a variable digital input signal from the output of the magnetic field sensor and a set point digital input signal from the output of the set point generator, and to generate a digital output from which is derived a control signal for controlling a current to the magnet so as to control the magnetic field thereof. The control system is arranged to apply to the digital controller a selected one of a plurality of different controller settings, in accordance with the desired magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A method for generating a mass spectrum of sample ions using a multi-collector mass spectrometer is disclosed. The mass spectrometer includes a spatially dispersive mass analyser to direct the sample ions into a detector chamber. The method includes generating sample ions of a first ion species A, a second ion species B, and a third ion species C, wherein the ions of species A have a different nominal mass to the ions of species B and C, and further wherein the ions of species B have the same nominal mass as the ions of species C. The sample ions of the species A, B and C are directed to travel through the mass analyser and towards detectors in the detector chamber, the sample ions being deflected during their travel. The ions of species B and C are scanned across a master aperture defined in a master mask of a master detector, while the ions of species A pass through a lead aperture defined in a lead mask of a lead detector.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a magnet of a magnetic sector mass spectrometer comprises a magnetic field sensor for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet and generating an output representative thereof; a set point generator configured to generate an output representative of, or related to, a desired magnetic field of the magnet; and a digital controller configured to receive a variable digital input signal from the output of the magnetic field sensor and a set point digital input signal from the output of the set point generator, and to generate a digital output from which is derived a control signal for controlling a current to the magnet so as to control the magnetic field thereof. The control system is arranged to apply to the digital controller a selected one of a plurality of different controller settings, in accordance with the desired magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a magnet of a magnetic sector mass spectrometer comprises a magnetic field sensor for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet and generating an output representative thereof; a set point generator configured to generate an output representative of, or related to, a desired magnetic field of the magnet; and a digital controller configured to receive a variable digital input signal from the output of the magnetic field sensor and a set point digital input signal from the output of the set point generator, and to generate a digital output from which is derived a control signal for controlling a current to the magnet so as to control the magnetic field thereof. The control system is arranged to apply to the digital controller a selected one of a plurality of different controller settings, in accordance with the desired magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a magnet of a magnetic sector mass spectrometer comprises a magnetic field sensor for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet and generating an output representative thereof; a set point generator configured to generate an output representative of, or related to, a desired magnetic field of the magnet; and a digital controller configured to receive a variable digital input signal from the output of the magnetic field sensor and a set point digital input signal from the output of the set point generator, and to generate a digital output from which is derived a control signal for controlling a current to the magnet so as to control the magnetic field thereof. The control system is arranged to apply to the digital controller a selected one of a plurality of different controller settings, in accordance with the desired magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A method of configuring a Faraday detector in a mass spectrometer is described. The mass spectrometer defines a central ion beam axis, and the Faraday detector is moveable relative to the central ion beam axis. The Faraday detector includes a detector arrangement having a detector surface, and a Faraday slit defining an entrance for ions into the detector arrangement. The Faraday detector has an axis of elongation which extends through the Faraday slit. A width of the Faraday slit is chosen, and the angle between the axis of elongation of the Faraday detector and the central ion beam axis is adjusted such that ions striking the detector surface do not generate secondary electrons.

Abstract: A high voltage feedthrough assembly comprises an electrical lead extending in a longitudinal direction and an insulative cover capturing the electrical lead and extending along the electrical lead. The high voltage feedthrough assembly also comprises a flange, the insulative cover extending through and being held by the flange, so that the electrical lead extends through the flange. An adapter body has a cavity extending therethrough, is held in a spaced relation to the flange, the width of the cavity being greater than the width of the insulative cover, wherein a portion of the insulative cover and the electrical lead extending from the flange extends into the cavity. A collar is arranged in the adapter body cavity, extending radially between the adapter body and the insulative cover, to hold the insulative cover and electrical lead so that the insulative cover is radially spaced away from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vacuum system, comprising a first vacuum chamber and a second vacuum chamber, the first vacuum chamber being evacuated by a first vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump, the first and the second vacuum chamber being connected by a passage, wherein the passage is surrounded by a sealing arrangement comprising an inner seal and an outer seal with a plenum positioned between the inner seal and the outer seal, the plenum being evacuated by a support vacuum pump, and wherein at least one sealing face of the inner seal consists of the wall material of the first or the second vacuum chamber, in particular the inner seal being formed by direct contact between the wall material of the first vacuum chamber and the wall material of the second vacuum chamber. Additionally, the invention concerns a mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: A method for generating a mass spectrum of sample ions using a multi-collector mass spectrometer is disclosed. The mass spectrometer includes a spatially dispersive mass analyser to direct the sample ions into a detector chamber. The method includes generating sample ions of a first ion species A, a second ion species B, and a third ion species C, wherein the ions of species A have a different nominal mass to the ions of species B and C, and further wherein the ions of species B have the same nominal mass as the ions of species C. The sample ions of the species A, B and C are directed to travel through the mass analyser and towards detectors in the detector chamber, the sample ions being deflected during their travel. The ions of species B and C are scanned across a master aperture defined in a master mask of a master detector, while the ions of species A pass through a lead aperture defined in a lead mask of a lead detector.

Abstract: A method of configuring a Faraday detector in a mass spectrometer is described. The mass spectrometer defines a central ion beam axis I, and the Faraday detector is moveable relative to the central ion beam axis I. The Faraday detector includes a detector arrangement having a detector surface, and a Faraday slit defining an entrance for ions into the detector arrangement, the Faraday detector having an axis of elongation A which extends through the Faraday slit. A width of the Faraday slit is chosen and the angle ? between the axis of elongation, A, of the Faraday detector, and the central ion beam axis I is adjusted.

Abstract: An ion source assembly for a static mass spectrometer, comprises: a mounting element for locating the assembly within the static mass spectrometer; an ion source for generating ions to be analyzed in the static mass spectrometer, the ion source being spaced from the mounting element and arranged to be held in use at a first relatively high potential V1 with respect to the mounting element; and a spacer mounted between the mounting element and the ion source, the spacer arranged to be held in use at a second potential V2 with respect to the mounting element, which is less than the first potential V1.

Abstract: A high voltage feedthrough assembly comprises an electrical lead extending in a longitudinal direction and an insulative cover capturing the electrical lead and extending along the electrical lead. The high voltage feedthrough assembly also comprises a flange, the insulative cover extending through and being held by the flange, so that the electrical lead extends through the flange. An adapter body has a cavity extending therethrough, is held in a spaced relation to the flange, the width of the cavity being greater than the width of the insulative cover, wherein a portion of the insulative cover and the electrical lead extending from the flange extends into the cavity. A collar is arranged in the adapter body cavity, extending radially between the adapter body and the insulative cover, to hold the insulative cover and electrical lead so that the insulative cover is radially spaced away from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vacuum system, comprising a first vacuum chamber and a second vacuum chamber, the first vacuum chamber being evacuated by a first vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump, the first and the second vacuum chamber being connected by a passage, wherein the passage is surrounded by a sealing arrangement comprising an inner seal and an outer seal with a plenum positioned between the inner seal and the outer seal, the plenum being evacuated by a support vacuum pump, and wherein at least one sealing face of the inner seal consists of the wall material of the first or the second vacuum chamber, in particular the inner seal being formed by direct contact between the wall material of the first vacuum chamber and the wall material of the second vacuum chamber. Additionally, the invention concerns a mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: An ion source assembly for a static mass spectrometer, comprises: a mounting element for locating the assembly within the static mass spectrometer; an ion source for generating ions to be analyzed in the static mass spectrometer, the ion source being spaced from the mounting element and arranged to be held in use at a first relatively high potential V1 with respect to the mounting element; and a spacer mounted between the mounting element and the ion source, the spacer arranged to be held in use at a second potential V2 with respect to the mounting element, which is less than the first potential V1.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer for analyzing isotopic signatures, with at least one magnetic analyzer and optionally with an electric analyzer as well, with a first arrangement of ion detectors and/or ion passages and, arranged downstream thereof in the direction of the ion beam, a second arrangement of ion detectors, with at least one deflector in the region of the two arrangements of ion detectors or between these arrangements. Additionally, a multi-collector arrangement, special uses and a method for analyzing isotopes in a sample. The mass spectrometer according to the invention has a control for the at least one deflector such that ion beams of different isotopes can be routed to at least one ion detector in the second arrangement.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer for analyzing isotopic signatures, with at least one magnetic analyzer and optionally with an electric analyzer as well, with a first arrangement of ion detectors and/or ion passages and, arranged downstream thereof in the direction of the ion beam, a second arrangement of ion detectors, with at least one deflector in the region of the two arrangements of ion detectors or between these arrangements. Additionally, a multi-collector arrangement, special uses and a method for analyzing isotopes in a sample. The mass spectrometer according to the invention has a control for the at least one deflector such that ion beams of different isotopes can be routed to at least one ion detector in the second arrangement.