Abstract: A multipole ion guide includes a plurality of electrodes disposed about a longitudinal axis of the device so as to define an ion transmission volume for transmitting ions along a length of the device between opposite inlet and outlet ends. An electronic controller is operably connected to an RF power source and to at least some of the electrodes and is configured to apply at least an RF potential to the electrodes. During use the electrodes generate an RF-only field along a first portion of the device and an axial DC field along a second portion of the device. Ions are focused radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the device by the RF-only field within the first portion of the device prior to and/or subsequent to experiencing the axial DC field within the second portion of the device.

Abstract: A multipole ion guide includes a plurality of electrodes disposed about a longitudinal axis of the device so as to define an ion transmission volume for transmitting ions along a length of the device between opposite inlet and outlet ends. An electronic controller is operably connected to an RF power source and to at least some of the electrodes and is configured to apply at least an RF potential to the electrodes. During use the electrodes generate an RF-only field along a first portion of the device and an axial DC field along a second portion of the device. Ions are focused radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the device by the RF-only field within the first portion of the device prior to and/or subsequent to experiencing the axial DC field within the second portion of the device.

Abstract: A multipole ion guide includes a plurality of electrodes disposed about a longitudinal axis of the device so as to define an ion transmission volume for transmitting ions along a length of the device between opposite inlet and outlet ends. An electronic controller is operably connected to an RF power source and to at least some of the electrodes and is configured to apply at least an RF potential to the electrodes. During use the electrodes generate an RF-only field along a first portion of the device and an axial DC field along a second portion of the device. Ions are focused radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the device by the RF-only field within the first portion of the device prior to and/or subsequent to experiencing the axial DC field within the second portion of the device.

Abstract: An inlet and vacuum system for a portable, or handheld, mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises three vacuum chambers, which includes two ion funnels connected in series in the first two vacuum chambers, followed by a mass spectrometer analyzer and ion detector in the third vacuum chamber. The ion funnels are arranged with their central axes aligned in a linear fashion. The sample inlet to the portable mass spectrometer is from an external ion source, typically operating at atmospheric, or near atmospheric, pressure. An improvement in desolvation, and a reduction in the injection of neutrals, excited state molecules, and particulates into the analyzer is achieved by incorporating a lateral offset for the inlet capillary used to transfer ions into the first injection funnel. Additional efficiency for ion focusing is achieved by replacing the ion guide, typically used with atmospheric pressure ionization sources, with an additional ion funnel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling miniaturized arrays of ion traps, including cylindrical ion traps, rectilinear ion traps, and linear ion traps. Improved methods for applying supplemental AC signals to individual ion traps in an ion trap array. Methods of organizing ion trap arrays and operating the arrays in a manner to improve sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy. Techniques for performing simultaneous detection of multiple compounds from ion trap arrays. Optimization of ion trap performance by dynamic optimization or adjustment of RF trapping frequency and voltage amplitude.