Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) array instrument is provided. Each TOF-MS of the array instrument includes (1) a gridless, focusing ionization extraction device allowing for the use of very high extraction energies in a maintenance-free design, (2) a fiberglass-clad flexible circuit-board reflector using rolled flexible circuit-board material, and (3) a low-noise, center-hole microchannel plate detector assembly that significantly reduces the noise (or “ringing”) inherent in the coaxial design. The miniature TOF-MS array allows for the bundling of a plurality of mass analyzers, e.g., a plurality of TOF-MSs, into a single array working in parallel fashion to greatly enhance the throughput of each TOF-MS in the array by multiplexing the data collection process. A preferred embodiment of the TOF-MS array instrument incorporates 16 TOF-MS units that are arranged in mirror-image clusters of eight units.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing signal ringing in a microchannel plate detector assembly having a cylindrical mount with a center tube extending through at least a portion of the assembly, in a mass spectrometer including the steps of providing the microchannel plate detector assembly with a pin anode extending from the cylindrical mount and located in proximity to the center tube; holding a front portion of the assembly at ground potential; setting a middle portion of the assembly between the front portion and a rear portion to a first voltage potential for accelerating ions; holding the rear portion of the assembly to a second voltage potential; holding the pin anode at a third voltage potential; and accelerating electrons emitted from the middle portion of the assembly toward the pin anode. The third voltage potential is established by an amplifier of an oscilloscope connected to the detector assembly.

Abstract: A field portable mass spectrometer system comprising a sample collector and a sample transporter. The sample transporter interfaces with the sample collector to receive sample deposits thereon. The system further comprises a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer has a sealable opening that receives the sample transported via the sample transporter in an extraction region of the mass spectrometer. The system further comprises a control unit that processes a time series output by the mass spectrometer for a received sample and identifies one or more agents contained in the sample.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) array instrument is provided. Each TOF-MS of the array instrument includes (1) a gridless, focusing ionization extraction device allowing for the use of very high extraction energies in a maintenance-free design, (2) a fiberglass-clad flexible circuit-board reflector using rolled flexible circuit-board material, and (3) a low-noise, center-hole microchannel plate detector assembly that significantly reduces the noise (or “ringing”) inherent in the coaxial design. The miniature TOF-MS array allows for the bundling of a plurality of mass analyzers, e.g., a plurality of TOF-MSs, into a single array working in parallel fashion to greatly enhance the throughput of each TOF-MS in the array by multiplexing the data collection process. A preferred embodiment of the TOF-MS array instrument incorporates 16 TOF-MS units that are arranged in mirror-image clusters of eight units.

Abstract: A sonic transducer includes a transducer body and a drive element coupled to the transducer body to produce a sonic output in response to an applied electrical input. A sense element is coupled to the sonic drive element and is configured to provide an electrical feedback output related to the sonic output. The electrical feedback output is adapted to be used to control the applied electrical input to the sonic drive element so as to control the energy delivered to the working area or tip of the transducer.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical-based magnetostrictive magnetometer that uses, as an active element, a commercial (001) silicon microcantilever coated with an amorphous thin film of the giant magnetostrictive alloy Terfenol-D and a compact optical beam deflection transduction scheme. A set of Helmholtz coils is used to create an ac magnetic excitation field for driving the mechanical resonance of the coated microcantilever. When the coated microcantilever is placed in a dc magnetic field, the dc field will change the amplitude at the mechanical resonance of the coated microcantilever thereby causing a deflection that can be measured. The magnetometer has been demonstrated with a sensitivity near 1 .mu.T.