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 is disclosed for selectively transmitting ions with a FAIMS analyzer in which a flow of carrier gas of a mixed composition is provided. Ions that are transmitted at a same combination of applied potentials when a first carrier gas is provided are in certain cases transmitted at different combinations of applied potentials when a second other carrier gas having a different composition is provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions produced by a laser-based ionization technique is disclosed. The method relies on a FAIMS analyzer having a surface disposed therein for receiving a sample on the surface. The surface is in optical communication with a light transmissive port through which the laser light is directed such that it impinges upon the sample and causes ioniztaion thereof.

Abstract: A method for selectively transmitting ions using a FAIMS device is disclosed. A first analyzer region is defined by a space between first and second spaced apart electrodes. A second analyser region is provided in operational communication with the first analyzer region. Ions are provided to the first analyzer region. The ions are coupled from the first analyser region to the second analyzer region. An asymmetric waveform is used to generate an electric field within the first analyser region and a compensation voltage is applied to prevent some ions from exiting the analyser region. Conditions are provided within the second analyzer region for effecting a second different separation of ions therein. Finally, the separated ions are trapped to accumulate ions within a trapping region thereof.

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: This invention provides an apparatus and method for desolvating and selectively transmitting and focussing ions, including ions produced by electrospray ionization (ESI), based on the ion focussing principles of high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), for introduction into a mass spectrometer. The ion focussing, trapping and desolvating effects of FAIMS, as identified by the inventors, provides high ion transmission efficiency and high sensitivity for the detection of ions. An apparatus comprising an ESI source, a FAIMS device and a mass spectrometer provides a way of desolvating and selectively transmitting highly solvated ions for introduction into a mass spectrometer for analysis.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for desolvating and selectively transmitting and focussing ions, including ions produced by electrospray ionization (ESI), based on the ion focussing principles of high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), for introduction into a mass spectrometer. The ion focussing, trapping and desolvating effects of FAIMS, as identified by the inventors, provides high ion transmission efficiency and high sensitivity for the detection of ions. An apparatus comprising an ESI source, a FAIMS device and a mass spectrometer provides a way of desolvating and selectively transmitting highly solvated ions for introduction into a mass spectrometer for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides controlled volumetric delivery of particulate material, particularly for delivery of a particulate sample for analysis. The apparatus includes a sample receiving tubular member that is vibrated or rotated relative to the sample container to agitate and fluidize a surface portion of the sample placed in an elongated container. A transporting gas carries the fluidized sample from the container through the tubular member. Sample delivery rate is controlled by a traversing mechanism that gradually inserts the moving tubular member into the upper fluidized portion of the sample. The apparatus allows total delivery of a known mass of a particulate sample at a predetermined delivery rate.

Abstract: A system for introducing a sample to an analyzing device, such as a spectrometer, wherein the flow rate of gas to the analyzing device is maintained substantially constant and uncontaminated during sample changeover. The system includes a flow controller and flow control paths arranged to avoid having any flow diverting valves or direction change in the analyte flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a particulate sample to an analyzing device such as a flame or plasma spectrometer, which provides relatively uniform, continuous and controlled delivery of a sample and allows sample changing without disrupting the operation of the analyzing device.