Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing ions in an MSn mass spectrometer is provided. Ion are filtered to produce a group of ions of interest, the group of ions below a space charge limit of the MSn mass spectrometer. At least a portion of the group of ions are fragmented to form a fragmented group of ions. At least a portion of the fragmented group are stored such that a plurality of portions of the fragmented group can be sequentially selected for mass spectrometry analysis. Each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group are sequentially selected and re-fragmented prior to mass spectrometry analysis. Each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group are analyzed, via mass spectrometry, once each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group has been fragmented.

Abstract: Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) interface structures such as API interface structures for mass spectrometers and related components, systems and methods are described herein.

Abstract: The number of times of repetition of mass spectrometry analysis for integrating mass profiles is reduced to facilitate reduction in measurement time-period and increase a signal intensity. In a state when ions are trapped by a high-frequency electric field formed within an ion trap, a rectangular-wave high-frequency voltage to be applied from a main voltage generation section to a ring electrode is temporarily stopped, and next ions are introduced from an ion entrance port into the ion trap in a state when only a static electric field exists within the ion trap. The high-frequency voltage application is re-started while at least a part of previously-trapped ions remain within the ion trap, to trap the newly-introduced ions in addition to the previous ions so as to increase an amount of ions to be accumulated, and the accumulated ions are subjected to the mass spectrometry analysis.

Abstract: While applying a square wave voltage to the ion electrode (21) so that ions already captured in the ion trap (20) do not disperse, the frequency of the square wave voltage is temporarily increased at the timing when the ions generated in response to the short time irradiation of a laser light reach the ion inlet (25). This decreases the Mathieu parameter qz, and the potential well becomes shallow, which makes it easy for ions to enter the ion trap (20). Although the ions that have been already captured become more likely to disperse, the frequency of the square wave voltage is decreased before they deviate from the stable orbit. Thus, the dispersion of the ions can also be avoided. Accordingly, while the number of captured ions is not decreased, new ions are further added, and thereby the amount of ions can be increased. By performing a mass separation and detection after that, the signal intensity in one mass analysis can be increased.

Abstract: Methods of separating ionized particles comprise the step of providing a particle separator comprising a housing, and an electric field disposed inside the housing. The electric field defines a magnitude E (volt/cm) which increases the farther ionized particles travel within the housing. The method further includes delivering a gas flow, wherein the gas flow defines a velocity, Vgas, and delivering ionized particles into the housing, wherein the ionized particles define a mobility value, K (cm2/volt*sec). The product of the mobility value K and the electric field magnitude E define a mobility velocity for the ionized particles, Vmob (cm/sec)=K*E. The method also includes stopping the ionized particles at a location where Vmob is equal and opposite Vgas.

Abstract: In a mass spectrometer introducing ions produced at an ion source, and including quadrupole rods which have an inlet and an outlet and to which a radio-frequency voltage is applied, the mass spectrometer, i.e., a mass spectrometry device implemented by a linear trap which exhibits high ejection efficiency, high mass resolution, and low ejection energy, executes the following steps: Trapping at least part of the ions by a trap potential generated on the central axis of a quadrupole field, oscillating part of the trapped ions in an intermediate direction between the mutually-adjacent quadrupole rods, ejecting the oscillated ions by an extraction field, and detecting the ejected ions or introducing the ejected ions into another detection process.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide up to complete transmission of ions between coupled stages with low effective ion losses. A novel “interfaceless” electrospray ionization system is further described that operates the electrospray at a reduced pressure such that standard electrospray sample solutions can be directly sprayed into an electrodynamic ion funnel which provides ion focusing and transmission of ions into a mass analyzer.

Abstract: An ion cyclotron resonance cell has at least one trapping electrode comprised of electrically isolated sections that are used for the detection of an induced ion image signal. Such an arrangement increases the sensitivity of image signal detection without a significant increase in the amplitude of parasitic harmonics. When a multielectrode detection arrangement is used, the resolving power of an analyzer incorporating such a cyclotron resonance cell multiplies without a corresponding sensitivity loss.

Abstract: The direct current bias voltage to be applied to the pre-filter 13 provided in the previous stage of the quadrupole mass filter 14 for selecting an ion according to the mass-to-charge ratio is changed in accordance with the mass-to-charge ratio of the target ion to be allowed to pass through, in order that the time period required for an ion to pass through the pre-filter 13 is uniformed regardless of the mass-to-charge ratio, and simultaneously the phase of the oscillation of ions at the entrance of the quadrupole mass filter 14 is also uniformed. In the range where the mass-to-charge ratio is larger than some degree, the ion's oscillation itself is small, and in addition, the ion's passage efficiency deteriorates rather than enhances, due to the potential barrier created by the voltage difference from the direct current bias voltage applied to the quadrupole mass filter 14.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system includes an inlet system having an aerodynamic lens system for collimating charged particles into a beam, and an aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device for receiving and slowing the charged particles to near zero kinetic energy. A detection system receives and identifies a mass of the charged particles. The aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device can be a reverse jet or a pathway through a stagnant volume of gas. Such mass spectrometer systems can operate in a mass range from 1 to 1016 DA.

Abstract: A method for analyzing ions includes providing a desolvation chamber in communication with an analytical gap of a FAIMS analyzer, via an ion inlet orifice. A flow of ions is introduced into the desolvation chamber along a flow path that is toward the ion inlet orifice and into the analytical gap of the FAIMS analyzer. A flow of a desolvation gas is provided into the desolvation chamber via a first gas inlet, such that a portion of the flow of the desolvation gas is counter-current to the flow of ions. A flow of a carrier gas is provided separately via a second gas inlet, which is defined downstream relative to the desolvation chamber. In particular, the composition of the carrier gas is different than the composition of the desolvation gas. Accordingly, the flow of the carrier gas is provided substantially into the analytical gap for transporting ions along a path between the ion inlet orifice and an ion outlet orifice of the analytical gap.

Abstract: The current invention facilitates the construction of a compact high performance quadrupole mass analyzer which has the operational characteristics of a modern research grade system and the ergonomic and cost structure of a moderate benchtop system. A multipole field device is physically located within the windings of the RF resonant circuit. By combining the space consumed by the RF windings and its housing and the space consumed by the multipole field device and its vacuum housing, the overall size of the resultant mass spectrometer is reduced.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed wherein ions are trapped for a period of time T within an AC or RF ion guide maintained at a pressure P wherein the product P×T is at least 1 mbar-ms. The effect of trapping the ions according to a preferred embodiment is that singly charged ions which may, for example, comprise unwanted background ions are substantially lost from the trap whereas multiply charged analyte ions are maintained within the ion trap and can then be released for subsequent mass analysis.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes a multipole having a main RF field for radially containing ions generally on a central axis. The multipole has first and second axial DC fields in opposite first and second direction along a length of the multipole. The first and second axial DC fields approach or add substantially to zero on the central axis. The multipole has an excitation voltage applied thereto for selectively exciting the ions of desired m/z ratios off the central axis. The excitation voltage thus causes excursion of the ions into a region where either the first or second axial DC field is strong. Thus, excitation of the ions and the DC fields cause ion drift toward a front end or a back end of the multipole. Further excitation moves the ions into regions of the DC fields that overcome barriers and causes axial ejection of the ions from the multipole.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer having an elongated rod set, the rod set having a first end, a second end, a plurality of rods and a central longitudinal axis is described as is a method operating same.

Abstract: An ion guide includes a plurality of curved electrodes and an ion deflecting device. The electrodes are arranged in parallel with each other and with a central curved axis, the curved central axis being co-extensive with an arc of a circular section having a radius of curvature, each electrode being radially spaced from the curved central axis, wherein the plurality of electrodes define a curved ion guide region arranged about the curved central axis and between opposing pairs of the electrodes. The ion deflecting device may include a device for applying a DC electric field to two or more of the electrodes in a radial direction. The ion deflecting device may include a pair of curved, parallel ion deflecting electrodes, which are in addition to curved electrodes utilized for applying an RF ion guiding field.

Abstract: A method of operating a mass spectrometer system having an ion trap is provided. The method comprises encoding a selected characteristic in at least one of the first group of precursor ions and the first plurality of fragments, wherein the encoding operation is applied to at least one of the first group of precursor ions and the first plurality of fragments without being applied to other ions such that the first plurality of fragment ions has the first selected characteristic and the other ions lack the first selected characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides an ion extraction pulser. The ion extraction pulser may be used independently or in conjunction with a mass spectrometry system. The mass spectrometry system includes an ion source for producing ions, an ion optics system downstream from the ion source for selecting and directing ions, and a detector down stream from the ion optics system for detecting the ions selected and directed by the ion optics system. The ion optics system includes one or more ion extraction pulsers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry in an electronic chip assembly, including an input section, an ion filter and detection section and a control section, in which ion filtering proceeds in a planar chamber under influence of high field asymmetric periodic signals, with detection integrated into the flow path, for producing accurate, real-time, data for identification of a broad range of chemical compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the measurement of fragment ion spectra in ion trap mass spectrometers in which fragment ions below a cut-off mass cannot normally be measured. The invention consists in measuring mass spectra including light fragment ions by briefly conducting the collisionally induced fragmentation—which is always brought about by a large number of collisions—at an unusual high RF storage voltage, which produces collisions more energetically than by conventional fragmentation, and then switching the RF voltage to a low RF voltage in a fast but controlled procedure. In this way light fragment ions are produced by double cleavages from metastable fragment ions with a certain half-life time. Since the cut-off mass for the storage capability is proportional to the RF storage voltage, reducing the RF storage voltage means that the light fragment ions can also be kept and measured in the ion trap.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a nanospray capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and a capillary input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed using microengineering technologies, as an assembly of two separate chips. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle and the API mass spectrometer input, together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration, and consists of an einzel lens capable of initiating a Taylor cone and separating ions from neutrals by focusing.

Abstract: In an ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer in which ions are trapped axially by applying electrical potentials to a pattern of electrode elements to produce an inhomogeneous alternating radio-frequency electric field with a repulsive effect, an additional electrostatic ion-attracting field is superimposed on the repulsive electric field. The voltage of the ion-attracting field is adjusted to compensate for a cyclotron frequency shift of the ions caused by the ion space charge. The voltage of the ion-attracting field can be adjusted so that the ion cyclotron frequency of all ions becomes independent of the number of ions inside the spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for ion fragmentation by electron capture. The present invention provides a method of generating fragment ions by electron capture, comprising; directing ions to be fragmented into a fragmentation chamber of a mass spectrometer into a fragmentation chamber of a mass spectrometer arrangement; trapping at least some of the ions to be fragmented in at least one direction of the fragmentation chamber by using a magnetic field, the ions being trapped within a volume V; generating an electron beam using an electron source located away from the volume V; irradiating the trapped ions in the volume V with the electrons generated by the electron source in the presence of the said magnetic field, so as to cause dissociation; and ejecting the resultant fragment ions from the fragmentation chamber for subsequent analysis at a different location away from the fragmentation chamber.

Abstract: A rectilinear ion trap includes a first pair of spaced planar RF electrodes, mounted in parallel and a second pair of spaced planar electrodes, mounted in parallel and orthogonal to the first pair of electrodes. The configuration of the pairs of electrodes define an axial direction and a radial direction. The trap further includes an RF source that applies an RF voltage to at least one of the pairs of RF electrodes to generate RF fields to trap ions in the axial and radial directions.

Abstract: A method of operating a mass spectrometer having a rod set is provided. The rod set has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems and methods relating to controlling ion behavior in an ion-based analysis system.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry device includes an ion source for ionizing a sample, an ion trap for trapping ions ionized by the ion source. A control unit for controlling voltages applied to lenses forming part of the ion trap, and a detection unit for detecting the ions trapped by said ion trap. The control unit causes a trap potential to be generated on a central axis of quadrupole rods forming part of the ion trap, causes part of the trapped ions to be oscillated in an intermediate direction between the quadrupole rods which are mutually adjacent to each other, and applies a voltage for ejecting the oscillated ions in a central-axis direction of the quadrupole rods by generating an extraction field.

Abstract: An ion trap in which highly accurate isolation, ECD, and CID can be efficiently performed. A reaction cell and a mass spectrometer of the present invention include an ion-trap which has a plurality of rod electrodes and creates a multipole field, a means for generating a magnetic field in the axial direction of the ion-trap, a means for creating a DC harmonic potential in the axial direction of the ion-trap, and an electron source for introducing electrons into the central axis of the ion-trap. The identification ability is greatly improved compared with the prior art.

Abstract: In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z0/r0 ratios from about 0.84 to about 1.2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are also provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Z0/r0 ratio between 0.84 and 1.2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0.84 and 1.2.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion trap mass spectrometer for MSn analysis, which comprises a frequency-driven ion trap section operable to trap sample ions and isolate a precursor ion from the sample ions, while setting an ion-trapping RF voltage waveform at a first frequency providing a first low-mass cutoff (LMCO) value, and, then after setting the ion-trapping RF voltage waveform at a second frequency greater than the first frequency to provide a second LMCO value less than the first LMCO value, without changing an amplitude of the ion-trapping RF voltage waveform, to irradiate the precursor ion in a trapped state with light so as to photodissociate the precursor ion into fragment ions; and an analyzer section operable to subject the fragment ions ejected from the ion trap section, to mass spectrometry so as to obtain information about a molecular structure of the precursor ion. The ion trap mass spectrometer of the present invention can maximize a mass range coverable in one cycle of MSn analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-dimensional ion trap, comprising a plurality of elongate electrodes positioned between first and second end electrodes, the plurality of electrodes and first and second end electrodes defining a trapping volume. A controller in electrical communication with the plurality of elongate electrodes and the first and second end electrodes is configured to progressively vary a periodic voltage applied to at least one of the plurality of elongate electrodes to cause ions to be radially ejected from the ion trap in order of their mass to charge ratios. Concurrently, the controller is configured to progressively vary a DC offset of least one of the first and second end electrodes with respect to the plurality of elongate electrodes.

Abstract: In mass spectrometric analysis equipment, highly charged analyte fragment ions are obtained by electron transfer dissociation of highly charged analyte ions by radical anions and the dissociation products are then deprotonated with non-radical anions. Both the radical anions for electron transfer dissociation and the non-radical anions for deprotonation are produced in a single ion source from a single substance, or a single mixture of substances by adjusting the electrical operating parameters of the ion source.

Abstract: Collision induced dissociation of precursor ions in an ion trap is performed by determining a predicted fragmentation-optimized excitation voltage amplitude based on an indicator of damping gas pressure, such as a damping gas flow rate, and optionally other parameters including precursor ion m/z and an indicator of the Mathieu parameter q. The excitation voltage may then be applied to electrodes of the ion trap in steps of increasing amplitude, wherein at least one of the amplitudes corresponds to the predicted optimum value. Application of the excitation voltage in this manner produces favorable fragmentation efficiencies over a range of operating parameters and for ions of differing chemical properties.

Abstract: An ultra compact ion mobility based analyzer in a multilayered chip assembly employing various features such as a ion flow generator to propel ions through an ion mobility based filter and, thereby, reduce analyzer size, cost, and power requirements.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system having an ion trap and a downstream mass spectrometer is provided. A plurality of groups of ions are provided to the ion trap and a first mass-to-charge ratio is selected. The downstream mass spectrometer is configured to filter out one of (i) ions having a first unselected mass-to-charge ratio different from the first mass-to-charge ratio, and (ii) mass signals for ions having the first unselected mass-to-charge ratio different from the first mass-to-charge ratio. A first group of ions is ejected of the first mass-to-charge ratio from the ion trap to the downstream mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Ion detection methods are provided that can include applying a first voltage between a power source and a dynode, and contacting the dynode with first ions to create a first charged species. After applying the first voltage, a second voltage can be applied between the power source and the dynode, and the dynode can be contacted with second ions to create a second charged species. Mass spectrometry instrument circuitry is also provided that can include a power source coupled to a dynode via at least one switch with the switch being operatively configured in one position to apply a first voltage between the dynode and the power source, and, in another position, configured to apply a second voltage between the dynode and the power source. Mass spectrometry analysis methods are also provided that can include detecting sorted ions using a dynode configured according to an ion detection parameter with the ion detection parameter including first and second dynode values associated with first and second time values.

Abstract: A vacuum magnetic ion trap includes an assembly forming a permanent magnet including at least two magnetized structures (30, 32) in the form of hollow cylinders, one convergent radial structure, magnetized along a convergent radial direction, and one divergent radial structure, magnetized along a divergent radial direction, the convergent and divergent radial magnetized structures (30, 32) being arranged along a common longitudinal axis (XX?) The trap also includes a sealed chamber (4) containing anion confinement cell (8) fixed between the at least two magnetized structures (30, 32) and including at least two trapping electrodes (10) connectable to a voltage generator (12).

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a quadrupole rod set ion guide or mass filter device (6). A broadband frequency signal (10) having one or more notches (11a, 11b, 11c) is applied to the rods of the quadrupole rod set (6). The notched broadband frequency signal (10) causes undesired ions to be resonantly ejected from the ion guide (6). The notched broadband frequency signal (10) has frequency components missing which correspond with the resonance frequency of ions which are desired to be onwardly transmitted. The ion guide or mass filter device (6) enables a plurality of desired ions having different mass to charge ratios to be simultaneously transmitted by the ion guide or mass filter device (6) whilst other ions are resonantly ejected from the ion guide or mass filter device (6).

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes: an ion source for ionizing a specimen to generate ions, an ion transport portion for transporting the ions, a linear ion trap portion for accumulating the transported ions by a potential formed axially, and a control portion of ejecting the ions within a second m/z range different from a first m/z range, from the linear ion trap portion, and substantially at the same timing as the timing of accumulating the ions within the first m/z range from the transport portion into the linear ion trap portion. The ion transportation portion having a mass selection means for selecting the ions in the first m/z range.

Abstract: An ion guide includes multiple stages. An electric field within each stage guides ions along a guide axis. Within each stage, amplitude and frequency, and resolving potential of the electric field may be independently varied. The geometry of the rods maintains a similarly shaped field from stage to stage, allowing efficient guidance of the ions along the axis. In particular, each rod segment of the ith of stage has a cross sectional radius ri, and a central axis located a distance Ri+ri from the guide axis. The ratio ri/Ri and is substantially constant along the guide axis, thereby preserving the shape of the field.

Abstract: A method of operating an ion trap spectrometer system having an ion trap is provided.

Abstract: A novel system and method for charge-monitoring mass spectrometry is provided. The mass spectrometer can be used to measure the mass of one or more analytes having masses in the range of about a few Daltons to more than about 1015 Daltons. The invention can be used for rapid mass distribution measurements. For example, the system and method can be used to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells when their mass distributions are different.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer capable of realizing a high-sensitivity ion analysis and a high ion selectivity performance. The mass spectrometer includes the ion source where ions are produced, the ion trap where ions are accumulated, isolated, dissociated, and ejected, the detector to detect ions to be detected, and the controller to control operations of the ion trap. It has the features that the total ion accumulation in or just before each period is calculated based on the result obtained from the mass spectrometry in the preceding period, and that in at least one out of all periods, the condition of voltage applied to the ion trap is corrected depending on the total ion accumulation. Compared to the related art, the mass spectrometer of the present invention provides much improved performance in analysis sensitivity and ion selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a multipole ion guide for moving and guiding ions, particularly in a mass spectrometer. The multipole ion guide comprises multiple rods with a resistive coating, and radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) voltages applying to the resistive coating of each rod. Devices and systems comprising the multipole ion guide, as well as methods of use thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel methods for analysis of ion populations, the methods comprising filtering and selecting an ion population using a low-field dual-gate ion mobility spectrometer comprising a drift tube, the spectrometer operating at a pressure of at least 100 Torr, to provide mobility-selected ions. Certain aspects comprise: (i) subsequently accumulating the low-field selected ions in an ion trap (e.g., an MS ion trap) and mass spectrometry analysis; (ii) introducing the low-field selected ions into a high-field ion mobility spectrometer for separating thereby (optionally followed by mass spectrometry); and (iii) introducing the low-field selected ions into an ion trap mass spectrometer, and subsequently into a second low-field ion mobility spectrometer (e.g., a non-dual gate spectrometer operating at less than about 100 Torr). Additional aspects provide novel apparatus and combination thereof for performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An ion guide (7a) is disclosed comprising one or more layers of intermediate planar, plate or mesh electrodes (2). A first array of first electrodes (8a-8e) is provided on an upper surface and a second array of second electrodes (9a-9e) is arranged on a lower surface. An ion guiding region is formed within the ion guide (7a). One or more transient DC voltages or potentials are preferably applied to the first and second array of second electrodes (8a-8e, 9a-9e) in order to urge, propel, force or accelerate ions through or along the ion guide (7a).

Abstract: The applicants' teachings provide methods, systems, and apparatus useful in operating mass spectrometers and other devices incorporating multipole rod sets or other multi-electrode devices to simultaneously contain ions of both positive and negative charges through the simultaneous application to the rods or other electrodes of both radio-frequency (RF) and alternating (AC) currents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing ions in mass spectrometry is provided. The apparatus includes an ion processing cell having segmented multipole rods and a means for admitting reactive reagent ions to the cell. Provision for timed sequence control of RF and DC voltages to the segmented multipole rods is included. Processing includes trapping analyte ions and subjecting them to selected reactions with reactive reagent ions and/or physical manipulation of the ions by changing the characteristics of the electric field and/or creating discrete regions in the field.

Abstract: Ion trap apparatus and methods for efficiently addressing the effects of charge space caused by ion trap overfilling, useful in linear ion traps of mass spectrometers.

Abstract: A combined rf-only/FAIMS analyzer is disclosed for use in mass spectrometry and other applications. The disclosed apparatus includes a plurality of flat-plate electrodes arranged around a longitudinal axis of the apparatus so as to define generally a parallelogram in a cross section taken in a plane that is normal to the longitudinal axis. FAIMS is removed electronically when not desired by application of radio frequency (rf) waveforms to the flat-plate electrodes.