Abstract: Disclosed is a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with optical based detection of selectively transmitted ions. Light from a light source is directed through an optical port in an electrode of the FAIMS. A light detector is provided for receiving light that is one of transmitted and scattered by the selectively transmitted ions within the FAIMS.

Abstract: An ion introduction system for selecting ions from one of two separate ionization sources of ions is provided. The system includes a plate having a hole formed therethrough, the plate for being disposed adjacent an ion introduction region of a gas phase ion analyzer such that the hole is selectively movable between a first location in which the hole is adjacent to a first ionization source of ions for supporting introduction of ions from the first ionization source of ions into the gas phase ion analyzer, and a second location in which the hole is adjacent to a second ionization source of ions for supporting introduction of ions from the second ionization source of ions into the gas phase ion analyzer. The system also includes a drive mechanism for driving the plate between a first position in which the hole is at the first location and a second position in which the hole is at the second location.

Abstract: An ion introduction system for selecting ions from one of two separate ionization sources of ions is provided. The system includes a plate having a hole formed therethrough, the plate for being disposed adjacent an ion introduction region of a gas phase ion analyzer such that the hole is selectively movable between a first location in which the hole is adjacent to a first ionization source of ions for supporting introduction of ions from the first ionization source of ions into the gas phase ion analyzer, and a second location in which the hole is adjacent to a second ionization source of ions for supporting introduction of ions from the second ionization source of ions into the gas phase ion analyzer. The system also includes a drive mechanism for driving the plate between a first position in which the hole is at the first location and a second position in which the hole is at the second location.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for separating ions produced at an electrospray ionization source, based upon the high field mobility properties of the ions. An apparatus according to the instant invention includes a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) having an analyzer region defined by a space between an inner electrode (32) and an outer electrode (34). In particular, the outer electrode includes an ion inlet (38) for introducing ions into a first portion of the analyzer region and an ion outlet (56) for extracting ions from a second portion of the analyzer region. The FAIMS is characterized in that a gas-directing conduit (48) is provided through at least a portion of the inner electrode. In particular, the gas-directing conduit includes an opening at a first end thereof for supporting fluid communication between the gas-directing conduit and the first portion of the analyzer region.

Abstract: A method of separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region for separating ions, and establishing a temperature gradient across the FAIMS analyzer region to controllably affect ion focusing in the FAIMS analyzer region.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region defined by a space between a first electrode surface and a second electrode surface and extending between an ion inlet end and an ion outlet end. An asymmetric waveform is applied to the first electrode surface and a compensation voltage difference is applied between the first and second electrode surfaces. An output signal is provided from a temperature sensor, the output signal relating to a temperature within the FAIMS analyzer region. In dependence upon the output signal, the temperature within the FAIMS analyzer region is controllably affected. The apparatus supports operation of FAIMS at temperatures different from the temperature of other components in a tandem multi-stage system, and supports the stable operation of FAIMS at different temperatures which increases the separation capability of FAIMS.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for improving at least one of a peak separation and a signal intensity relating to an ion of interest being transmitted through an analyzer region of a FAIMS apparatus. A method according to the instant invention includes a step of introducing ions including an ion of interest into an analyzer region of a FAIMS. A flow of a doped carrier gas other than air is also provided through the analyzer region. The doped carrier gas includes a carrier gas and a trace amount of a predetermined dopant gas, the predetermined dopant gas selected for improving at least one of a peak separation and a signal intensity relating to the ion of interest relative to the peak separation and the signal intensity relating to the ion of interest in the presence of the carrier gas only. The ion of interest is selectively transmitted through the analyzer region in the presence of the doped carrier gas, and detected at a detector.

Abstract: A method of separating ions comprises applying a spot of a sample material to a target plate. The target plate is mounted in fluid communication with an ion inlet orifice of a FAIMS analyzer region and externally to the FAIMS analyzer region. Using a laser light source that is disposed external to the FAIMS analyzer region, the target plate is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength, the light of a predetermined wavelength being selected to affect the sample material applied to the target plate so as to produce ions of the sample material. The ions of the sample material are directed along an ion flow path between the target plate and FAIMS analyzer region, via the ion inlet orifice. A flow of a gas is directed counter-current to the ion flow path and passing through the target plate. The flow of gas through the target plate assists in desolvation of ions and directs neutral molecules away from the FAIMS analyzer region.

Abstract: A method of separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region including an ion inlet orifice for providing ions thereto, and providing a sample holder along a side of the ion inlet orifice that is opposite the FAIMS analyzer. A sample material is applied to the sample holder such that sample material is disposed about first and second points along the sample holder, a distance between the first and second points being greater than a maximum dimension of the ion inlet orifice. The first point is aligned with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the first point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength. Next, the sample holder is moved relative to the ion inlet so as to align the second point with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the second point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: Provided is a side-to-side high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) including a generally cylindrically-shaped inner electrode having a length. Encircling the inner electrode is a generally cylindrically-shaped outer electrode assembly comprising at least first and second and third outer electrode segments. Each of the outer electrode segments has a channel extending therethrough and open at opposite ends thereof. In an assembled condition, the second a outer electrode segment is disposed intermediate the first and third outer electrode segments in an end-to-end arrangement, each one of the first and second and third electrode segments overlapping a different portion of the length of the inner electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with optical based detection of selectively transmitted ions. Light from a light source is directed through an optical port in an electrode of the FAIMS. A light detector is provided for receiving light that is one of transmitted and scattered by the selectively transmitted ions within the FAIMS.

Abstract: A method of separating ions, including a first species of ion and a second species of ion that are transmitted through an analyzer region under substantially identical electrical field conditions, is provided. The method includes separating ions within an analyzer region according to the FAIMS principle, such that the first species of ion and the second species of ion are selectively transmitted along a time-averaged first direction through a portion of the analyzer region between the ion origin end and the ion detection end. Subsequently, the first species of ion and the second species of ion within the analyzer region are separated according to a difference in low field ion mobility values, such that relatively more of one of the first species of ion and the second species of ion is transmitted to an ion detection end than is transmitted absent separating the first species of ion and the second species of ion within the analyzer region according to a difference in their low field ion mobility values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting trace levels of a vapour in a carrier gas stream. A method according to the instant invention comprises the steps of providing a flow of a carrier gas through an analyzer region of a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (22), the carrier gas including a first gas and a trace amount of a vapour. At least a first type of indicator ions are introduced into the analyzer region, and a compensation voltage for transmitting the at least a first type of indicator ions through the analyzer region, in the presence of the flow of a carrier gas and at a given asymmetric waveform voltage, is determined. The determined compensation voltage is compared to calibration data relating to a compensation voltage for transmitting the at least a first type of indicator ions through the analyzer region at the given asymmetric waveform voltage in the presence of each of a plurality of different known trace amounts of the vapour mixed with the first gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating and enriching stable isotopes in gas phase using the principles of high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry, substantially at atmospheric pressure (760 torr) and substantially at room temperature (298 K). Specifically, the method of the present invention may be used to separate and enrich isotopes of chlorine. Electrospray ionization may be used to generate a gaseous mixture of ions and the ion beam exiting the high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer may be sampled into a mass spectrometer for isotope identification.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions using a FAIMS analyzer is disclosed. An ion diverter is included within the FAIMS analyzer for affecting the trajectories of ions after separation to direct the ions in a known fashion. The ion diverter is optionally a gas flow source or an electrode for generating an electrical field to alter ion flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing ions from a plurality of ionization sources includes a FAIMS analyzer including an inner electrode and an outer electrode, the outer electrode having a plurality of spaced-apart ion inlet orifices and a single ion outlet orifice. A plurality of non-trapping FAIMS analyzers is disposed adjacent to the FAIMS analyzer. Each non-trapping FAIMS analyzer of the plurality of non-trapping FAIMS analyzers has a single ion outlet orifice in communication with one ion inlet orifice of the plurality of ion inlet orifices of the FAIMS analyzer, and each non-trapping FAIMS analyzer has a single ion inlet orifice for supporting introduction of ions into the non-trapping FAIMS.

Abstract: A tandem mass spectrometer is disclosed. A first mass analyzer within a low-pressure region is provided for passing ions therethrough. A collision cell is at an ion outlet of the mass analyzer to provide a location for ions to collide therein with a collision gas to form resultant ions. The resultant ions are then provided to a FAIMS analyzer for separation thereof and the separate resultant ions are provided to a mass analyzer for analysis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for selectively transmitting ions in which the ions are subjected to a focusing effect such that the overall efficiency of ion transmission is increased. The method relies on a FAIMS analyzer having at least an electrode disposed approximately between two other electrode surfaces for producing an electric field that is symmetric on opposing sides of the at least an electrode. An ion exiting from between the electrodes experiences a balanced electric field, such that impact with one of the electrodes is prevented.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions produced by an inductively coupled plasma ionization technique is disclosed. Ions produced within the plasma source are provided to a FAIMS analyzer within a low pressure chamber of a mass spectrometer and in fluid communication with the plasma source for receiving ions therefrom. The ions are separated in FAIMS and at least some of the ions are provided to the mass spectrometer after separation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with optical based detection of selectively transmitted ions. Light from a light source is directed through an optical port in an electrode of the FAIMS. A light detector is provided for receiving light that is one of transmitted and scattered by the selectively transmitted ions within the FAIMS.