Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to replacement of the previous ICP-based ionisation system with a new laser ionisation system, providing improved mass spectrometer-based apparatus and methods for using them to analyse samples, in particular the use of mass spectrometry mass cytometry, imaging mass spectrometry and imaging mass cytometry, for the analysis of biological samples. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus, for example a mass cytometer, comprising: 1) a sampler; 2) a laser ionisation system to receive material removed from the sample by the sampler, wherein the laser ionisation system comprises an ionisation system conduit and a pulsed laser adapted to ionise sample material passing through or exiting the ionisation system conduit; and 3) a mass spectrometer to receive elemental ions from said ionisation system and to analyse said elemental ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for at least one filament, comprising: at least one filament receptacle for receiving the at least one filament. The holding device is designed for the detachable attachment, in particular clamping attachment, of the at least one filament receptacle to a container of an ionization device. The invention also relates to a mass spectrometer comprising: an ionization device having a container in which an ionization space for ionizing a gas is formed, at least one holding device which is designed for the detachable attachment, in particular clamping attachment, of the at least one filament receptacle to the container, and a vacuum housing to which the holding device, in particular a base body of the holding device, is detachably connected.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are described herein. A method includes implanting neutral elements into a dielectric layer, an etch stop layer, and a metal feature, the dielectric layer being disposed over the etch stop layer and the metal feature being disposed through the dielectric layer and the etch stop layer. The method further includes using a germanium gas as a source for the neutral elements and using a beam current above 6.75 mA to implant the neutral elements.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus 10 for imaging nozzle section 21 of droplet dispenser device 20 includes illumination device 11 arranged for creating illumination light directed along illumination axis A1 towards an illumination range configured for accommodating nozzle section 21, and camera device 12 having imaging axis A2 directed to the illumination range. Camera device 12 is configured for collecting nozzle image(s) of nozzle section 21 arranged in the illumination range, wherein illumination device 11 and camera device 12 are arranged for dark field illumination of nozzle section 21. Illumination axis A1 and imaging axis A2 are slanted relative to each other and an illumination angle between axes A1 and A2 is selected such that the at least one nozzle image is collected with a dark background. Furthermore, dispenser apparatus 100 for dispensing droplets on a target and an imaging method for imaging nozzle section 21 of droplet dispenser device 20 are described.

Abstract: Filter media comprising a pre-filter layer and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. In some embodiments, the pre-filter layer may be designed to impart desirable properties to the filter media, such as a high gamma and/or long service life, while having relatively minimal or no adverse effects on another property of the filter media that is important for a given application. For instance, a pre-filter layer may be used to improve the upstream removal of fine particulate matter, which may clog a downstream efficiency layer comprising submicron fibers and reduce filtration performance. The pre-filter layer may be configured to increase service life and/or increase the gamma of the filter media. Filter media, as described herein, may be particularly well-suited for applications that involve filtering air, though the media may also be used in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the high resolution imaging of samples using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and to the imaging of biological samples by imaging mass cytometry (IMC™) in which labelling atoms are detected by IMS. LA-ICP-MS (a form of IMS in which the sample is ablated by a laser, the ablated material is then ionised in an inductively coupled plasma before the ions are detected by mass spectrometry) has been used for analysis of various substances, such as mineral analysis of geological samples, analysis of archaeological samples, and imaging of biological substances. However, traditional LA-ICP-MS systems and methods may not provide high resolution. Described herein are methods and systems for high resolution IMS and IMC.

Abstract: A spray-capillary device is configured to process ultra-low-volume samples. The spray-capillary device includes a capillary tube that includes a lumen, an inner surface, an outer surface, an inlet end for receiving a fluid, and a discharge end having a porous section. A polymer material may be applied to the inner surface to form a polymer coating thereon. A downstream connector provides an interface between the porous section of the capillary tube, a conductive fluid, and a high voltage electrical source. The application of voltage to the downstream connector causes electrospray ionization, which can be used to draw ultra-low-volume samples into the inlet end. A gas injection assembly can be used to increase the pressure on the inlet end of the capillary tube to encourage movement of the sample therethrough. The spray-capillary device may be used to provide the ultra-low-volume samples to a mass spectrometer or other suitable analytic device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) system is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the GC-IMS system includes a GC column comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a sample delivery system in fluid connection with the inlet of the GC column and configured to provide a sample to the GC column. The GC column is configured to process the sample and produce a processed sample at the outlet. The GC-IMS system may also include an IMS tube. In some embodiments, the IMS tube includes a sample inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the GC column, a wall that includes an orifice, and an outlet. The sample inlet may be configured to receive a portion of the processed sample. The IMS tube may be configured to analyze a second portion of pressurized gas.

Abstract: Laser diode thermal desorption coupled with tandem mass spectrometry systems and methods are described to detect at least one target analyte in a sample by negative ion mode mass spectrometry. For instance, the system and method involve desorbing a sample prepared for mass spectrometry analysis by laser diode thermal desorption to obtain a desorbed sample, and then ionizing the desorbed sample under conditions to generate an ionized analyte flow comprising a superoxide radical anion (O2.?) adduct detectable by negative ion mode mass spectrometry; and then detecting the O2.? adduct by negative ion mode mass spectrometry, to thereby detect the target analyte.

Abstract: A sample support for polymer-spray mass spectrometry includes a support substrate comprising a polymer. The support substrate is configured to support a sample on a surface of the support substrate. The sample support also includes a reservoir formed on the surface of the support substrate. The reservoir is configured to hold a spray solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and mapping the spatial distribution of organic compounds aiming to understand how such organic compounds are distributed on the surfaces of reservoir rocks subjected to injection fluids for oil recovery purposes. The DESI and LAESI techniques may be used in the analysis of rocks from trials of oil recovery in small or large scale. Furthermore, both techniques may be applied in the analysis of compounds present on the surfaces of minerals from aquatic environments.

Abstract: Methods are described for measuring the amount of a vitamin B2 in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying vitamin B2 in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: A gas leakage meter (100) for use onsite in a process plant comprises a housing (110) with an inlet (101), an outlet (102) and an inlet nozzle (111) fluidly connected to a unit to be tested (3) through a downstream connector (1040) and to the inlet (101), the housing (110) being filled with a liquid to a level (10). An inclined pipe (120) is arranged such that, in use, test gas released from the inlet nozzle (111) raises through a liquid and the inclined pipe (120) to a gas-collecting chamber (122) at an upper end of the inclined pipe. (120). The gas-collecting chamber (122) has a gas release valve (150; 170) for releasing test gas before a test period. Embodiments where the inclined pipe (120) is mounted on a pivot and alternative gas release valves (150, 170) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a conductive sampling swab including a non-mesh substrate and a thermal desorber including a clamping assembly configured to releasably hold the conductive sampling swab. The clamping assembly is configured to be electrically connected to a voltage or current source, and the thermal desorber is configured to resistively heat the conductive sampling swab to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a sample material disposed on the conductive sampling swab.

Abstract: A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having a planar surface and a sorbent layer disposed on the planar surface. The planar surface is defined by a base edge, a spray edge disposed distal across the substrate from the base edge, the spray edge including a tapering tip extending away from the base edge, a first lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, and a second lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, the second lateral edge being disposed distal across the substrate from the first lateral edge. The sorbent layer extends a sampling length from the spray edge toward the base edge and includes sorbent particles. A method for forming the solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including applying the sorbent layer on the planar surface utilizing at least one of screen printing, stencil printing, or additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A method for checking a validity of a mass axis calibration of a mass spectrometer (MS) of an analyzer system, comprising obtaining a mass axis check sample spanning a predetermined m/z measurement range of the MS and automatically processing the sample, performing multiple full scan mode MS measurements of different types using the MS for the at least two mass axis points to obtain measurement data, wherein the different types include at least a first full scan MS measurement in a positive mode and a second measurement in a negative mode, or at least a first full scan measurement for a first mass filter and a second full scan measurement for a second mass filter; comparing the measurement data for each of the at least two mass axis points with respective reference data and determining if a condition is out of specification based on a result of the comparing steps.

Abstract: Systems and approaches for semiconductor metrology and surface analysis using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) are disclosed. In an example, a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) system includes a sample stage. A primary ion beam is directed to the sample stage. An extraction lens is directed at the sample stage. The extraction lens is configured to provide a low extraction field for secondary ions emitted from a sample on the sample stage. A magnetic sector spectrograph is coupled to the extraction lens along an optical path of the SIMS system. The magnetic sector spectrograph includes an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) coupled to a magnetic sector analyzer (MSA).

Abstract: The invention provides a trapped ion mobility separator (TIMS) and methods to operate it wherein an ion region of the TIMS, through which ions travel along an axis from an entrance to an exit, has an elongate cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the axis with a long dimension and a short dimension. First and second counteracting forces on the ions along the axis are provided, wherein at least one of the first and second forces has an effect on the ions that is ion mobility dependent, and wherein at least one of the first and second forces varies spatially along the axis such that ions are trapped and separated by ion mobility. Different embodiments provide the first and second forces using different combinations of gas flow and electric field potential, and employ various electrode structures that provide the system with different advantageous characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a substance comprising a direct analysis in real time apparatus; a neutral excluder; a mass spectrometer; and a vessel in. The apparatus may also comprise a separator, a gas, an alcohol, a filter, and a pump. The apparatus may also comprise electrodes in communication with the direct analysis in real time apparatus and the neutral excluder. A method for detecting a substance comprising contacting the substance with a direct analysis in real time apparatus ion stream; forming an ion and a neutral particle; flowing the ion and the neutral particle into a neutral excluder; contacting the ion and the neutral particle with a gas; and flowing the ion into a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for separating ions at about or above atmospheric pressure. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include an ionization source that generates ions and an ion trap. The ion trap is maintained at about or above atmospheric pressure and includes a plurality of electrodes and at least one inlet configured to receive a gas flow and at least one outlet. The system is configured such that a combination of a gas flow and one or more electric fields produced by the electrodes separates the ions based on mass-to-charge ratio and sends the separated ions through the at least one outlet of the ion trap.

Abstract: Processes and systems for pyrolysing a hydrocarbon feed for a predetermined period of time, e.g., by steam cracking. The process can include determining a first amount of silicon material present in the hydrocarbon feed that is to be steam cracked to produce a steam cracker effluent. The process can also include determining a second amount of silicon material that will be present in a steam cracker naphtha that is to be separated from the steam cracker effluent.

Abstract: A photoionization detector comprised of a sensor having at least a collector electrode and a grounding electrode, a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons, and an amplifier connected to the collector electrode. Each of the collector electrode and the grounding electrode include a feed-thru pin, an inner trace surrounding the feed-thru pin, an outer trace surrounding the inner trace, wherein the outer trace on each electrode is comprised of the same material, a channel between the inner trace and the outer trace, wherein the channel is comprised of a different material than the outer trace and the inner trace, and a bridge connecting the outer trace with the inner trace. The ionized molecules are collectable by a bias electrode and electrons are collectable by the collector electrode.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for sampling analytes into an atmospheric pressure inlet mass spectrometer using ultrasonic nebulization-assisted atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The systems can include a mass spectrometer having an input and an ultrasonic nebulizer chip. The ultrasonic nebulizer chip can be operatively coupled to the mass spectrometer, such that when the ultrasonic nebulizer chip nebulizes the analyte to provide a nebulized analyte, at least some of the nebulized analyte enters the input of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A charged particle beam source for a surface processing apparatus is disclosed. The charged particle beam source comprises: a plasma chamber; a plasma generation unit adapted to convert an input gas within the plasma chamber into a plasma containing charged particles; and a grid assembly adjacent an opening of the plasma chamber. The grid assembly comprises one or more grids each having a plurality of apertures therethrough, the one or more grids being electrically biased in use so as to accelerate charged particles from the plasma through the grid(s) to thereby output a charged particle beam, the major axis of which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the grid assembly.

Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing systems may include a chamber body having sidewalls and a base. The semiconductor processing systems may include a substrate support extending through the base of the chamber body. The substrate support may include a support plate. The substrates support may include a shaft coupled with the support plate. The semiconductor processing systems may include a liner positioned within the chamber body and positioned radially outward of a peripheral edge of the support plate. An inner surface of the liner may include an emissivity texture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for partial conversion of a fluid sample comprising a plurality of components and a process for on-line determination and analysis of components of a fluid sample comprising a plurality of components. The invention also relates to the use of the device as a sample treatment device.

Abstract: Provided is a sample analysis system including: a droplet device configured to intermittently introduce a sample to a measurement region set in plasma; a light emission detection device configured to detect light emission in the measurement region at a detection timing, the detection timing being set at a predetermined cycle in advance; and an analysis device configured to analyze the sample based on the detected light emission, wherein the analysis device is provided with: a distribution computing unit configured to compute a time-spatial light intensity distribution based on the detected light emission, the time-spatial light intensity distribution being a distribution of a light intensity according to the detection timing, a position in the measurement region, and a wavelength component of the light emission; and a characteristic specifying unit configured to compute, from the time-spatial light intensity distribution, a feature amount that correlates with a sample characteristic indicating a property of t

Abstract: A high duty cycle ion mobility analysis apparatus includes an ion source, first and second ion storage zones, and an ion mobility analyzer. The ion mobility analyzer includes first and second channels containing a gas flow coaxial with an ion migration direction and a direct current electric field in the opposite direction of the gas flow, and the direct current electric fields in the channels are different in strength. In a continuous scanning period, ions that have not reached appropriate scanning conditions or have missed the appropriate scanning conditions and thus are unable to pass through the mobility analyzer are temporarily stored in two independent ion storage zones without being lost to be analyzed by the mobility analyzer until conditions of the scanning period or a next scanning period are appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention provides dielectric barrier discharge ionization, including a dielectric barrier discharge tube and an electrode pair consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode. At least a portion of the dielectric barrier discharge tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrode pair can ionize the sample after the power is turned on. The dielectric barrier discharge tube is in communication with a vacuum portion. The pressure range in the dielectric barrier discharge tube is 0.01 to 100 Pa. The dielectric barrier discharge ionization provided by the invention remedies the defects of existing low-pressure ion sources in the pressure range, and provides the low-pressure ion source with high ionization ability, high versatility and simple devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of desolvated ions by electrospraying to be investigated analytically, e.g. according to the charge-related mass m/z and/or ion mobility. The cloud of highly charged droplets drawn from the spray capillary by a high voltage is usually focused and stabilized by a beam of nebulizing gas surrounding the cloud of tiny droplets. For a fast drying of the droplets, an additional desolvation gas is usually heated to a temperature of up to several hundred degrees centigrade and blown into the cloud of droplets. The invention particularly relates to the heating of the gas which is instrumental in the generation of desolvated ions as part of the electrospraying process without any mechanical or electrical contact between the heating power supply and the heater itself, but rather by heating the heater for the gas using electromagnetic induction.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a mass spectrometer capable of preventing a sample from remaining inside an ion source container for a long time. In the mass spectrometer according to the invention, in addition to a first gas used for ionizing an ion source, a second gas flowing toward an exhaust unit along an inner wall of the ion source container is supplied inside the ion source container (see FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system that includes two analytical system utilizing charged particles, an ion transfer device that connects the two analytical systems and transports the charged particles from one of the analytical systems to the other of the analytical systems. The ion transfer device includes a plurality of differential pumping stages, a plurality of vacuum pumps, and a plurality of ion guides located inside the plurality of differential pumping stages such that the plurality of ion guides transport the charged particles from one to the other of the analytical systems, and such that the plurality of differential pumping stages connect the first analytical system on one end to the second analytical system on the other end to receive the charged particles from the one end connected to the first analytical system and transport and deliver the charged particles to the other end connected to the second analytical system.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a rotatable isolation valve 1 having a curved, spherical, cylindrical or concave portion. At least a portion of an ion guide 2 is positioned so as to extend within a swept volume of the isolation valve 1 enabling the ion guide 2 to be positioned close to a second downstream ion guide 3 and for ions to be transmitted from the first 2 ion guide to the second ion guide 3 with high ion transmission efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for sequencing nucleic acids using, including with nucleotide analogs and subsequently appended labels.

Abstract: Method for producing multiply-charged helium nanodroplets and charged dopant clusters and nanoparticles out of the helium nanodroplets, the method comprising: •producing neutral helium nanodroplets in a cold head (1) via expansion of a pressurized, pre-cooled, supersonic helium beam of high purity through a nozzle (3) into high vacuum with a base pressure under operation preferably below 20 mPa, •ionizing the helium nanodroplets by electron impact (15), wherein the electron impact (15) leads to multiply-charged helium nanodroplets, •doping the charged helium nanodroplets with dopant vapor in the pickup cell (19), wherein the doped nanodroplets form cluster ions with the initial charges acting as seeds, wherein the size of the nanoparticles can vary from a few atoms up to 105 atoms by arranging the size of the neutral helium nanodroplets, the charge of the helium nanodroplets and the density of dopant vapor in the pickup cell (19).

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: performing a plurality of cycles of operation during a single experimental run, wherein each cycle comprises: mass selectively transmitting precursor ions of a single mass, or range of masses, through or out of a mass separator or mass filter at any given time, wherein the mass separator or mass filter is operated such that the single mass or range of masses transmitted therefrom is varied with time; and mass analysing ions.

Abstract: A small volume aqueous sample followed by an air gap and a droplet of oil can be drawn into a pipette tip as a means of storing and protecting the sample from the environment for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Stabilization of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer during analysis of semiconductor-grade chemical samples is described. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, transferring an aerosolized sample of a semiconductor-grade chemical into a hydrofluoric-acid resistant spray chamber; passing at least a portion of the aerosolized sample through an outlet tube of the hydrofluoric-acid resistant spray chamber; and introducing an impingement gas into the outlet tube of the hydrofluoric-acid resistant spray chamber to induce turbulence within the outlet tube to at least one of condition or remove large aerosol particles.

Abstract: A method comprises obtaining a stack for an energy storage device, the stack comprising one or more layers: laser ablating the stack so as to form a cut through one or more of the layers, thereby producing one or more laser ablation products: and analysing, using a mass spectrometry-based analysis technique, the laser ablation products thereby to determine one or more characteristics of the stack. Also disclosed is an apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a mass spectrometer that can appropriately maintain the atmospheric pressure of a vacuum chamber, and a method of controlling the same. An example of a mass spectrometer according to the present invention includes first vacuum chambers, first vacuum pumps, an atmospheric pressure relating value acquiring unit, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust the effective exhaust velocity of the first vacuum pumps, and controllers. The controllers control the adjustment unit corresponding to an atmospheric pressure relating value.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer 1 includes a vacuum container 5 divided into a first chamber 51 containing an ion trap 3 and a second chamber 52 containing a time-of-flight mass spectrometer 4. The ion trap 3 is held within an ion-trap-holding space 610 surrounded by a wall 61. In this wall 61, a cooling-gas discharge port 64 is formed in addition to an introduction-side ion passage port 62 and an ejection-side ion passage port 63. A cooling gas supplied into an ion-capturing space 315 of the ion trap 3 is discharged from the ion-trap-holding space 610 through the three ports. The provision of the cooling-gas discharge port 64 reduces the amount of cooling gas flowing into the ejection-side ion passage port 63 and interfering with the ejection of ions from the ion trap 3 into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer 4. Consequently, the detection intensity of the ions is improved.

Abstract: An electrospray apparatus and a method of operating the electrospray apparatus can include an array of emitters that can emit a fog of charged droplets, wherein the charged droplets can be produced in a carrier gas by the array of emitters and directed into a development zone of a charge image. Each emitter among the array of emitters can be implemented as a cone-shaped emitter. The array of emitters can be implemented as a cone jet electrospray micro-array that can produce a high liquid concentration of the charged droplets in the carrier gas. The charged droplets can comprise charged fountain solution droplets, and the charge image can be a fountain solution image that can be transferrable to a blanket for control and subsequent ink transfer to a receiving medium.

Abstract: A start-up routine for a mass spectrometer is performed automatically upon switching ON the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises a plurality of functional modules connected thereto, each module operable to perform a predetermined function of the mass spectrometer in use. The start-up routine comprises detecting which functional modules are present in the set of a plurality of functional modules connected to the mass spectrometer, and performing one or more steps of the start-up routine based upon the results of the detection.

Abstract: A dispenser and methods for transferring liquids are disclosed. The dispenser may include a capillary tube with tip having an aperture, a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the capillary tube at a location. Actuation of the piezoelectric actuator causes a pressure wave to propagate along the capillary tube toward the tip such that radial motion at the location is transmitted as distally extending axial motion of the tip, thereby causing a droplet of a predetermined volume to be ejected from the aperture. In some embodiments, the capillary tube has a modulus of elasticity in a range which dampens acoustical noise from the actuation and provides single drop stability over a range of drop sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling contamination of components contained within the high-vacuum chambers of mass spectrometer systems are provided. The apparatus and methods employ a beam of neutral gas injected in a contra-flow configuration to incoming particle stream from the ionization chamber. The contra-flow can be in the directly opposite counter-flow direction (e.g., 180 degrees) or at a cross-flow angle to the incoming ion stream (e.g., flowing at an angle between about 10 degrees and 170 degrees). The contra-flow disrupts the axial gas flow and diverts neutral molecules and other undesirable contaminants before they reach the high vacuum stages (e.g., beyond the IQ0 orifice) of the spectrometer. By reducing the transmission of contaminants into the sensitive components housed deep within the mass spectrometer, the present invention can increase throughput, improve robustness, and/or decrease the downtime typically required to vent/disassemble/clean the fouled components.

Abstract: An ion propulsion device including emission modules in an emission plane, each module having an insulating support, an emission electrode on the support, and a conductive liquid with a microfluidic channel depositing conductive liquid on the electrode; an extraction electrode common to the emission modules and facing the modules; and a control unit, in which each module is configured to emit an ion beam when an electric field is applied to the liquid; each control unit controls an ion emission current emitted by applying a potential difference between each emission electrode and the extraction electrode; the emission electrodes are spaced apart by a linear distance that is greater than a distance between two adjacent emission electrodes separated by an empty space; and a length of the insulating support between the electrodes is greater than a propagation distance of an electric leakage current by charge jumping along the support between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gas analysis device and a method for detecting sample gas. The gas analysis device includes: an ion mobility spectrometer including an ion mobility tube, an ion gate, a plurality of electrodes, a suppression grid, and a Faraday plate sequentially disposed in the ion mobility tube, wherein the Faraday plate is configured to receive sample ions discharged from the suppression grid, and the Faraday plate is provided with a through hole; a mass spectrometer; a gate valve disposed between the Faraday plate and an ion inlet of the mass spectrometer; and a controller configured to control an opening or closing of the gate valve to allow the sample ions discharged from the suppression grid to flow into the mass spectrometer through the through hole of the Faraday plate when the gate valve is opened.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer 1 includes a vacuum container 5 divided into a first chamber 51 containing an ion trap 3 and a second chamber 52 containing a time-of-flight mass spectrometer 4. The ion trap 3 is held within an ion-trap-holding space 610 surrounded by a wall 61. In this wall 61, a cooling-gas discharge port 64 is formed in addition to an introduction-side ion passage port 62 and an ejection-side ion passage port 63. A cooling gas supplied into an ion-capturing space 315 of the ion trap 3 is discharged from the ion-trap-holding space 610 through the three ports. The provision of the cooling-gas discharge port 64 reduces the amount of cooling gas flowing into the ejection-side ion passage port 63 and interfering with the ejection of ions from the ion trap 3 into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer 4. Consequently, the detection intensity of the ions is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the high resolution imaging of samples using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and to the imaging of biological samples by imaging mass cytometry (IMC™) in which labelling atoms are detected by IMS. LA-ICP-MS (a form of IMS in which the sample is ablated by a laser, the ablated material is then ionised in an inductively coupled plasma before the ions are detected by mass spectrometry) has been used for analysis of various substances, such as mineral analysis of geological samples, analysis of archaeological samples, and imaging of biological substances. However, traditional LA-ICP-MS systems and methods may not provide high resolution. Described herein are methods and systems for high resolution IMS and IMC.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, methods, and programming useful for the automated analysis of complex compounds using mass spectrometers. Systems, apparatus, methods, and programming according to the invention provide for the automatic determination by a controller 54 of a mass spectrometer 14, 214 of an analysis operation to be implemented using the mass spectrometer, the analysis operation adapted specifically for analysis of one or more substances based contained within a compound based on identification of the compound and/or substances provided by a user of the spectrometer, and a database 66 or other library of information concerning suitable processes or process steps for analyzing substances.