Abstract: A method of operating an ion optical component comprising a series of electrodes between first and second ends comprises: applying a set of RF voltage waveforms to electrodes of the series that generate a plurality of moving pseudopotential wells that exert forces on ions within the ion optic that urge the ions to migrate from the first end to the second end of the ion optic; and applying, simultaneously with the application of the set of RF voltage waveforms, a set of DC electrical potentials to electrodes of the series that generate a DC field that exerts a force on the ions within the ion optic that urges the ions to migrate from the second end to the first end, whereby there is caused one or more of spatial separation, differential migration or filtering of ions within the ion optical component in accordance with their respective mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method comprises: generating ions; directing the ions through an ion optical component within a first chamber having a first vacuum pressure, the ion optical component maintained at a first electrical potential; transferring the ions through an ion guide within a second chamber having a second vacuum pressure less than the first vacuum pressure, the ion guide maintained at a second electrical potential, wherein a difference between the first and second potentials imparts kinetic energy that causes collision-induced ion fragmentation within the second chamber that removes adduct species; and transferring the ions into another ion guide within a third chamber having a third vacuum pressure less than the second vacuum pressure, the other ion guide maintained at a third electrical potential, wherein a difference between the third and second potentials reduces a portion of the imparted kinetic energy of the ions passing into the third chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses that utilize mass spectrometry for preparation of a surface to have catalytic activity through molecular soft-landing of mass selected ions. Mass spectrometry is used to generate combinations of atoms in a particular geometrical arrangement, and ion soft-landing selects this molecular entity or combination of entities and gently deposits the entity or combination intact onto a surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses that utilize mass spectrometry for preparation of a surface to have catalytic activity through molecular soft-landing of mass selected ions. Mass spectrometry is used to generate combinations of atoms in a particular geometrical arrangement, and ion soft-landing selects this molecular entity or combination of entities and gently deposits the entity or combination intact onto a surface.