Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has two opposing wall elements connected by at least one spacer with parallel, mutually assigned, planar, gas-guiding wall surfaces with opposing conductor structures to generate a drift field. The ratio of distance of the gas-guiding wall surfaces to the field-generating width of the conductor structure perpendicular to the drift direction is less than 1:2 and is advantageously 1:3 to 1:10.

Abstract: In an ion mobility spectrometer, especially a miniaturized ion mobility spectrometer, the potential-conducting surfaces of the ion collector and ion gate form an angle less than 90° with the drift chamber axis. This makes it possible to provide openings in the face of the drift chamber for the required purge gas supply without limiting the size of the potential-conducting surface.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has an ionization chamber, drift chamber, and a system for generating an electrical field in the drift chamber. The system for generating the electrical field comprises a plurality of capacitors that are connected together in parallel for charging and are connected in series for generating a high-voltage.

Abstract: In an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), the essential parts, namely the ion gate, the drift chamber, and the ion collector, consist of pieces that are slice or wafer shaped, and are either anisotropically etchable or can be machined using micromechanical methods. The parts are held together by clamps, adhesives, or other known assembly methods. The drift chamber consists of two sliced pieces with a through groove being etched or milled in one of them. The groove is covered by the other smooth piece so that a drift channel is produced. The drift channel is closed at one end by a grid-shaped ion gate, which is similarly made from a sliced piece by etching or milling while the opposite end of the drift channel is closed by the ion collector, which is likewise made from a sliced piece that is electrically conducting on the inside.