Abstract: A high voltage RF power supply capable of supplying a varying amplitude RF signal at a fixed frequency to the electrodes of a mass spectrometer analyzer. The RF generator provides a high voltage, low current signal capable of changing its amplitude in response to an input drive signal. The RF generator circuitry comprises separate positive and negative driver channels interfaced to a class AB amplifier circuit. The separate positive and negative channels drive a pair of current amplifiers with the final output stage comprising an air-core step-up transformer. The RF generator achieves efficiency and stability with a minimum of electronics hardware while incorporating the use of a simplified RF feedback circuit. The RF generator may be used with a variety of mass spectrometer analyzers, particularly those of miniaturized or portable application.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing the transmission of ions between two differentially pumped vacuum chambers. Ion transmission from the higher pressure vacuum chamber into the lower pressure vacuum chamber is maximized while gas conductance between the chambers is minimized. The conventional single hole circular aperture between adjacent vacuum chambers is replaced with an interface comprising a plurality of smaller apertures configured according to a calculated hole pattern. The individual apertures of the new interface may preferably be arranged in a circular fashion, providing both adequate ion transmission and lower gas conductance. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a surface having a single aperture whose shape comprises a contiguous collection of individual aperture shapes.

Abstract: A portable or handheld mass spectrometer making use of a cryogenic pumping, ion pumping or getter pumping system. The portable mass spectrometer contains a cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump, and operates in conjunction with a fixed docking station. The docking station contains a backing pump to bring the mass spectrometer manifold down to operating pressure prior to being placed into portable operation using the cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump. The individual pumps may be operated either separately or simultaneously. This configuration permits the portable mass spectrometer module to be small, lightweight and rugged, and yet be easily and quickly recharged and regenerated for use in either a field or laboratory environment.

Abstract: A device for expanding the wavelength band of an optical component is disclosed. The device has a beam splitter for splitting a wavelength division multiplexed beam into two beams at a desired separation angle. An optical grating separates the two beams into spectral components for each beam. The spectral components are focused on a receiving surface. The separation angle between the two beams expands the wavelength band of the WDM signal.

Abstract: An optical amplifier system for amplifying an input wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal with a first optical coupler to extract a portion of the power of the input signal, an erbium-doped fiber amplifier to generate an output signal and a second optical coupler to extract a portion of the power of the output signal. A spectral monitoring unit having a volume phase grating separates the extracted input and output signals into spectral components. A photo-detector array of the spectral monitoring unit determines the power level of the spectral components. The system further includes a controller operative to control the operation of the amplifier in response to the power levels of the spectral components.

Abstract: A device for expanding an operable wavelength band of an optical component is disclosed. The device has an optical grating configured to receive a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal. The optical grating is configured to separate the optical signal into two wavelength bands separated by a prescribed wavelength difference. The device has a focusing lens system to focus the two wavelength bands onto a receiving surface. The two wavelength bands are separated on the receiving surface by the prescribed wavelength difference in order to expand the wavelength band of the WDM signal.

Abstract: A channel power equalizer for adjusting the power levels of multiple channels in an optical beam is disclosed. The equalizer has a demultiplexer with a volume phase grating for isolating each of the channels of the optical beam. A photo-detector determines a power level of each of the channels and a variable optical attenuator adjusts the power level to a threshold value. After adjusting the power level of each channel, a multiplexer having a volume phase grating combines each of the channels together into a single power adjusted optical beam.