Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of cutting out a major portion of carrier gas-derived ions ahead of the ion reservoir. The ion source is of the electron impact type and has source magnets for deflecting some of the produced ions away from the center axis of the ion reservoir. Electrostatic lenses for promoting the deflection of the ions caused by the source magnets and a differentially pumped slit for cutting off the deflected ions are mounted downstream of the ion source.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of cutting out a major portion of carrier gas-derived ions ahead of the ion reservoir. The ion source is of the electron impact type and has source magnets for deflecting some of the produced ions away from the center axis of the ion reservoir. Electrostatic lenses for promoting the deflection of the ions caused by the source magnets and a differentially pumped slit for cutting off the deflected ions are mounted downstream of the ion source.

Abstract: An analytical instrument using a plasma is disclosed. The instrument includes two plasma torches, a first torch of which is used for vaporizing a sample and a second plasma torch is used for exciting the sample. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer, the sample vaporized by the first plasma torch is introduced into the second plasma torch where the sample is ionized. The sample is then mass analyzed. If the sample is a small solid sample, it is momentarily vaporized by the plasma flame generated from the first plasma torch. If the sample is a large solid sample, it can be gradually vaporized from its surface. Therefore, the sample can be analyzed without requiring any pretreatment, e.g., dissolving the sample in an acid.