Abstract: Disclosed is an HF plasma generator for generating an inductively coupled plasma in spectrometry, comprising a voltage supply device with a DC voltage source, an oscillator circuit connected to the power supply device for generating HF power, and a load circuit coupled to the oscillator circuit for generating the plasma, said load circuit having at least one induction coil and one capacitor connected in parallel. The HF plasma generator comprises at least one controllable voltage source arranged in a branch of the oscillator circuit. The controllable voltage source is designed to set a voltage applied to the load circuit and/or at least one potential difference between the induction coil and a spectrometer, in particular a cone of the spectrometer. Further disclosed is a spectrometer having an HF plasma generator.

Abstract: A direct ion storage (DIS) radiation detector or dosimeter has a design that is easy and low cost to manufacture using semiconductor processing techniques. The detectors include internal communications interfaces so they are easy to read. Different interfaces, including wired, e.g. USB ports, and wireless interfaces, may be used, so that the dosimeters may be read over the internet. The detectors can thus be deployed or used in a variety of detection systems and screening methods, including periodic or single time screening of people, objects, or containers at a location by means of affixed dosimeters; screening of objects, containers or people at a series of locations by means of affixed dosimeters, and surveillance of an area by monitoring moving dosimeters affixed to people or vehicles.

Abstract: A simplified device for voltage supply of the cathode of a mass spectrometer comprises a push-pull transformer, wherein, apart from the normal rectifier diodes (7, 9), a controlled rectifier (8, 10) is provided. The gate of the first transistor (8) is connected to the second output (30), and the gate of the second transistor (10) is connected to the first output (32) of the transformer. A voltage supply device, consisting of at least one voltage multiplier, is connected via capacitors (13, 14, 15) to the output of the transformer and feeds, amongst others, the emission current measurement device.

Abstract: A tool comprising a tool body having an opening defined by interior walls extending into the tool body and a casing disposed within the opening. The tool further includes a scintillator material disposed within the casing and a first compressive member disposed within the tool body at a first axial location. The first axial location extends for a fraction of a total axial length of the casing and exerts a first radially compressive force at the first axial location.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of sensors for beam imaging and, in particular, to a new and useful beam imaging sensor for use in determining, for example, the power density distribution of a beam including, but not limited to, an electron beam or an ion beam. In one embodiment, the beam imaging sensor of the present invention comprises, among other items, a circumferential slit that is either circular, elliptical or polygonal in nature.

Abstract: A gas mixture method for generating an ion beam is provided here. By dynamically tuning the mixture ratio of the gas mixture, lifetime of the ion source of an ion implanter can be prolonged. Accordingly, quality of ion beam can be maintained and maintenance fee is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optimization of electric fields in measurement cells of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers. The invention is based on the rationale that asymmetric electric fields with uniformly or non-uniformly perturbed field axes can appear in ion cyclotron resonance cells and therefore the axis of the magnetron orbit can become radially displaced. Shifted magnetron orbits negatively affect the cyclotron excitation, deteriorate the FT-ICR signal, increase the intensity of an even-numbered harmonics peak, lead to stronger side bands of the FT-ICR signal, and in extreme cases, cause loss of ions. The present invention helps in probing the shift of the magnetron motion, detecting parameters indicative of the offset of the electric field axis and/or correcting it by trimming it back to the geometric axis of the cell.

Abstract: A sensor system includes at least one safety sensor unit for monitoring a safety relevant zone of a plant. The sensor system also includes a display unit connected to the sensory unit or integrated into it. The sensor system outputs a safety switch signal on an intrusion of an unpermitted object into the monitored, safety relevant zone and the safety sensor unit has an input interface for receiving a further safety switch signal. The input interface can be configured such that, on the one hand, it can receive the further safety switch signal and, on the other hand, can also receive external, non-safety relevant signals of an external device. The display unit is designed to display internal state data of the sensor system and information resulting from the external non-safety relevant signals.

Abstract: A monolithic sensor for detecting infrared and visible light according to an example includes a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer coupled to the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer includes a device surface opposite the semiconductor substrate. A visible light photodiode is formed at the device surface. An infrared photodiode is also formed at the device surface and in proximity to the visible light photodiode. A textured region is coupled to the infrared photodiode and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the performance of a mass spectrometer system when multiple measurements are made. For example, the total settling time of different components or stages of a mass spectrometer, such as a tandem mass spectrometer, are decreased by optimally ordering the measurements.

Abstract: A shift of mass axis that occurs when the temperature of a vacuum container consisting of a vacuum chamber (15) and IT block (16) or that of a TOF power unit (20) for applying an ion acceleration voltage is changed, is respectively measured beforehand, and parameters expressing a transfer function based on its response are stored in a transfer function memory (24). During an analysis, a mass shift predicting operation section (25) estimates the current shift length of the mass axis from the current temperatures of the IT block (16) and TOF power unit (20) obtained by first and second temperature sensors (34 and 35) as well as from the two transfer functions stored in the memory (24). A mass shift correcting section (29) corrects the mass axis of the mass spectrum according to the estimated shift length.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for spectral imaging. Electromagnetic energy emanating from an object is passed through a first dispersive element, a coded aperture, and a second dispersive element to a detector plane. A wavelength-dependent shift is created by the first dispersive element. The coded aperture modulates the image emanating from the first dispersive element. The wavelength-dependent shift is removed from the modulated image by the second dispersive element producing a wavelength-independent image measured by the detector. A spectral image of the object is calculated from the measured image, a wavelength-dependent shift of the first dispersive element, the code of the coded aperture, and a wavelength dependent shift of the second dispersive element. A spectral image can be calculated from measurements obtained in a single time step and from a number of measurements that is less than the number of elements in the spectral image.

Abstract: A triacetone triperoxide cloud associated with a triacetone triperoxide explosive attached to a hard target is remotely detected by operating differential-absorption lidar lasers to transmit a laser beam toward the hard target at differing wavelengths. A backscattered laser beam reflected from the lidar target (hard target, person, aerosols, clouds, buildings) is detected because a cloud of triacetone triperoxide in front of the lidar target and between the lidar target and the differential-absorption lidar system produces a differential-absorption signal having characteristics that identify the triacetone triperoxide. In a second embodiment, a triacetone triperoxide cloud that is absorbing optical radiation from its ambient environment and which is attached to a hard target is detected from a location remote from the triacetone triperoxide explosive by detecting an optical radiation absorption signature characterized by triacetone triperoxide absorption lines.

Abstract: A novel instrument and method for TOF/TOF mass spectrometry is offered. A spiral trajectory time-of-flight mass spectrometer satisfies the spatial focusing conditions for the direction of flight and a direction orthogonal to the direction of flight whenever ions make a turn in the spiral trajectory. An ion gate for selecting precursor ions is placed in the spiral trajectory of the spiral trajectory time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Electric sectors are placed downstream of the ion gate.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a plurality of imaging detectors acquiring imaging data indicative of a patient over a length of time. The plurality of imaging detectors are arranged proximate the patient and remain in a fixed position with respect to the patient. A processor receives the imaging data and divides the imaging data into sub-sets. The processor iteratively processes the sub-sets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the performance of a mass spectrometer system when multiple measurements are made. For example, the total settling time of different components or stages of a mass spectrometer, such as a tandem mass spectrometer, are decreased by optimally ordering the measurements.

Abstract: To detect whether a substrate is in a focal plane of a scatterometer, a cross-sectional area of radiation above a certain intensity value is detected both in front of and behind a back focal plane of the optical system of the scatterometer. The detection positions in front of and behind the back focal plane should desirably be equidistant from the back focal plane along the path of the radiation redirected from the substrate so that a simple comparison may determine whether the substrate is in the focal plane of the scatterometer.

Abstract: A quantity (or dispersion value) of a distribution of edge position due to random noise is expected to be reduced statistically to 1/N when N edge position data items are averaged. Using this property, the single page image is averaged in a vertical direction with various values of parameter S, and then the edge roughness index is calculated. The S-dependence of the edge roughness index is analyzed and a term of a dispersion value directly proportional to 1/S is determined as being due to noise.

Abstract: The charged-particle beam system includes a non-axisymmetric diode forms a non-axisymmetric beam having an elliptic cross-section. A focusing element utilizes a magnetic field for focusing and transporting the non-axisymmetric beam, wherein the non-axisymmetric beam is approximately matched with the channel of the focusing element.

Abstract: A charged particle detector and method are disclosed providing for simultaneous detection and measurement of charged particles at one or more levels of particle flux in a measurement cycle. The detector provides multiple and independently selectable levels of integration and/or gain in a fully addressable readout manner.

Abstract: Mass spectrometers for trace gas leak detection and methods for operating mass spectrometers are provided. The mass spectrometer includes an ion source to ionize trace gases, such as helium, a magnet to deflect the ions and a detector to detect the deflected ions. The ion source includes an electron source, such a filament. The method includes operating the electron source at an electron accelerating potential relative to an ionization chamber sufficient to ionize the trace gas but insufficient to form undesired ions, such as triply charged carbon.

Abstract: Ion sources and methods for generating molecular ions in a cold operating mode and for generating atomic ions in a hot operating mode are provided. In some embodiments, first and second electron sources are located at opposite ends of an arc chamber. The first electron source is energized in the cold operating mode, and the second electron source is energized in the hot operating mode. In other embodiments, electrons are directed through a hole in a cathode in the cold operating mode and are directed at the cathode in the hot operating mode. In further embodiments, an ion beam generator includes a molecular ion source, an atomic ion source and a switching element to select the output of one of the ion sources.

Abstract: Mass spectrometer systems for measuring mass/charge ratios of analytes are described. A mass spectrometer system includes a vacuum flange, a PCB base plate coupled to the vacuum flange, and an ion optic assembly coupled to the PCB base plate. The PCB base plate may include signal-processing electronics. The system may include an electrical cable coupled to the PCB base plate for supplying power, control, and I/O to the ion optic assembly and the signal processing electronics. Alternatively, a mass spectrometer system includes a PCB base plate and an ion optic assembly. The PCB base plate has a sealant portion and an electrical portion. The ion optic assembly is coupled to the electrical portion. The system may include a vacuum housing for enclosing the ion optic assembly. The vacuum housing is coupled to the sealant portion of the PCB base plate for sustaining a vacuum while the system is in operation.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a medical imaging system having stable camera optics is provided that includes: a photon emitting source that emits photons towards a plurality of photon receivers; an optical interface between said photon emitting source and said plurality of photon receivers including an optical coupling gel that is prone to discoloration from local contaminants and an optical coating adjacent said optical coupling gel; and said optical coating having means for avoiding discoloration of said optical coupling gel.

Abstract: A quantity (or dispersion value) of a distribution of edge position due to random noise is expected to be reduced statistically to 1/N when N edge position data items are averaged. Using this property, the single page image is averaged in a vertical direction with various values of parameter S, and then the edge roughness index is calculated. The S-dependence of the edge roughness index is analyzed and a term of a dispersion value directly proportional to 1/S is determined as being due to noise.

Abstract: A coded mass spectrometer incorporates a spatial or temporal code to reduce the resolution/sensitivity dichotomy inherent in mass spectrometry. The code is used to code one or more portions of a mass spectrometer. Coding patterns, such as Hadamard codes, Walsh codes, and perfect code sequences can be used. The coding can be spatial, for example, by using an aperture mask and/or temporal, for example, by coded injection of ions for analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating ions including a plurality of first electrode portions, each first electrode portion of the plurality of first electrode portions having a first length and an outer surface that is at least partially curved in a direction transverse to the first length. The apparatus also includes a plurality of second electrode portions arranged in an alternating sequence with the plurality of first electrode portions, each second electrode portion of the plurality of second electrode portions having a second length and an outer surface that is curved in a direction transverse to the second length, a space between the outer surface of a first electrode portion and the outer surface of an adjacent second electrode portion defining a portion of an analytical gap for separating ions.

Abstract: The concentration of a gas species is detected by using a single beam NDIR gas sensor in which an infrared source element is driven at two different temperatures, a feed back loop senses an operation voltage of the source, a differential gain amplifier creates a high cycle amplified output during a high cycle and a low cycle amplified output during a low cycle while a controller synchronizes the source driver so that a signal processor can determine the gas concentration through use of the high cycle amplified output and the low cycle amplified output. The infrared source can be a non-genuine blackbody source such as an incandescent miniature light bulb when the sample chamber is a thermally insulated aluminum tube that is maintained at a preselected temperature greater than ambient so that the glass envelope of the bulb is maintained at an equilibrium temperature (such as approximately 30 degrees Celsius plus or minus two degrees Celsius) during its low cycle operation state.

Abstract: In the field of mass spectrometry, a method of obtaining a mass spectrum enriched with fragment ions while retaining the precursor ion. The technique includes varying the collision energy experienced by the precursor ion such that a range of fragmentations occur. Related methods are also disclosed for obtaining MS, MS2, MS3 and MSn spectra which are enriched with fragment ions.

Abstract: A technique for ion beam angle process control is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for ion beam angle process control in an ion implanter system. The method may comprise directing one or more ion beams at a substrate surface. The method may also comprise determining an average spread of incident angles at which the one or more ion beams strike the substrate surface. The method may further comprise adjusting the one or more ion beams based at least in part on the average spread of incident angles to produce a desired spread of ion beam incident angles.

Abstract: A charged particle beam detection system that includes a Faraday cup detector array (FCDA) for position-sensitive charged particle beam detection is described. The FCDA is combined with an electronic multiplexing unit (MUX) that allows collecting and integrating the charge deposited in the array, and simultaneously reading out the same. The duty cycle for collecting the ions is greater than 98%. This multiplexing is achieved by collecting the charge with a large number of small and electronically decoupled Faraday cups. Because Faraday cups collect the charge independent of their charge state, each cup is both a collector and an integrator. The ability of the Faraday cup to integrate the charge, in combination with the electronic multiplexing unit, which reads out and empties the cups quickly compared to the charge integration time, provides the almost perfect duty cycle for this position-sensitive charged particle detector. The device measures further absolute ion currents, has a wide dynamic range from 1.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing and quantifying various error and calibration components of signals associated with photo-detectors. By varying the detector operational parameters such as input light intensity and integration times, measured signals can be analyzed to separate out and quantify various components of the measured signals. The various components thus determined may be categorized according to their dependencies on the operational parameters. Such component characterization allows better understanding of the detector system and ways in which such system can be improved so as to yield an improved measurement result for which the detector is being utilized.

Abstract: A RF power generator for exciting inductively coupled plasma for spectrometry includes an induction coil for exciting the plasma as part of its load circuit. The load circuit also comprises a capacitor connected in parallel with the induction coil. The RF power generator is a free running oscillator having a switching circuit of two MOSFETs alternately switchable on and off via a feedback control circuit from the load circuit. RF power from the switching circuit is coupled to the load circuit via an inductor. The inductor and load circuit is resonant at a first frequency, which is lower than the operating frequency of the power generator.

Abstract: In the field of mass spectrometry, a method of obtaining a mass spectrum enriched with fragment ions while retaining the precursor ion. The technique includes varying the collision energy experienced by the precursor ion such that a range of fragmentations occur. Related methods are also disclosed for obtaining MS, MS2, MS3 and MSn spectra which are enriched with fragment ions.

Abstract: An array of position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes is provided in which output signal contacts from corners of each photodiode are grouped in common for readout. Each photodiode may be provided on a single wafer or chip, with photodiodes being separated by a trench or a groove. Corners of each photodiode include contacts for reading out signals resulting from gamma rays incident events in an adjacent scintillator. Grouping of the contacts into common output channels reduces the number of output channels, while still permitting localization of gamma ray incident events in the scintillator crystals. The photodiode array may be positioned adjacent to one face of a scintillator, with a photomultiplier tube to be positioned adjacent to another. The detector arrangement may be used for positron emission tomography imaging and similar techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer, and more specifically a portable mass spectrometer. In one implementation, the mass spectrometer includes a toroidal transformer. In another implementation, the mass spectrometer includes feedback circuitry to monitor signals applied in the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (“LDI-TOF-MS”) devices, and methods, that accurately measure the mass of analytes contained in a sample and which also measure the quantities of analytes present in a sample in a consistent manner from instrument-to-instrument and over time on a single instrument. In particular, the invention provides LDI-TOF-MS devices and methods in which: 1) the energy of the laser pulse and the area of the sample illuminated (fluence) is consistent and controlled so as to produce consistent conditions for analyte desorption and ionization; 2) the mass analyzer behaves in a reproducible manner; and 3) the detection system produces a signal that consistently represents the arrival of ions of different masses.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided for identifying mass and velocity distributions in a continuous ion beam is configured with a circular dispersive system creating a rotating electromagnetic field, which is capable of deflecting the ion beam from an initial direction, and a circular position-sensitive detector intercepting the deflected ion beam and providing information from which the ion mass-per-charge ratio is determined

Abstract: The invention describes an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer with an ICR trap, the ICR trap having as trapping electrodes two ion reflecting electrode structures operated by RF voltages without any DC voltage. The usual apertured ion trapping electrodes are replaced by multitudes of structural elements, electrically conducting, and repeating spatially in one or two directions of a surface, neighboring structure elements being connected each to different phases of an RF voltage. In the simplest case a grid of parallel wires can be used. The surface of such structures reflects ions of both polarities, if the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions is higher than a threshold.

Abstract: A MALDI plate suitable for MS or MS-MS analysis provided with a composite coating that comprises a hydrophobic coating and a thin layer coating of a mixture of a MALDI matrix material and an intercalating agent such as a polymer is disclosed. A MALDI plate produced in accordance with the present teachings is useful for suppression of matrix ions in the low mass region (<1,000 daltons) of a MALDI-MS spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and electronic circuits for a chemical analyzer, for example, a mass spectrometer, which provide generated signals that are maintained to a required level of precision. A user may specify the required precision for the signals which operate the spectrometer and may specify the required precision for the mass analysis, either explicitly or by choosing a predefined configuration. The spectrometer will then generate the signals to the required precision despite changes in operating conditions, environmental conditions, component aging and degradation, or other nonfailure effects that otherwise affect analyzer calibration and signal output. The electronic circuits incorporate signal monitoring to maintain closed-loop signal control. The closed-loop control includes a feedback path which may include discrete components and may include software enabling a processor to adjust the generated signals to maintain the required precision of the signals and analysis.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer has an ion source (10) with a plurality of atmospheric pressure sample ioniser (20) mounted in a front face (15) thereof. Each sample ioniser (20) extends into a corresponding sample region (30) and the tip of each sample ioniser is mounted at right-angles to a corresponding one of a plurality of entrance cones (50) each having an entrance orifice (40) therein. Each entrance cone (50) in turn opens into an inlet channel having first and second parts (60, 70). The two parts of the inlet channel are separated by an electrical gate (65). The inlet channels corresponding to each entrance cone (50) all merge into a common exit channel (90) to a mass spectrometer. By appropriate operation of the gates (65) dividing the inlet channels, rapid switching between the samples that are analysed in the mass analyser can be achieved.

Abstract: In a TOF-MS according to the present invention, ions fly a round orbit or a reciprocal path once or more than once to be separated by their mass to charge ratios before they are detected by a detector, The detector is movable at least in two positions, where the effective distances from the exit of the round orbit or the reciprocal path to the detector are different. The length of time of flight of ions in each position of detector is measured, and the mass to charge ratio of an ion is calculated based on the difference of the lengths of time of flight in at least two positions. Similarly, the ion source may be movable at least in two positions, and a similar method can be used to calculate or estimate the mass to charge ratio of ions.

Abstract: A hollow exciting current pathway in the form of a conductor is arranged outside of an ion deflection casing with a curved contour and having an inlet and an outlet. The conductor is composed of a widthwise spiral formation of conductors running through the inlet and outlet and along the curved contour with a result that a magnetic field which is uniform widthwise is formed in the ion deflection casing. An ion beam is introduced through between the conductors at the inlet into the hollow exciting current pathway. By the action of the magnetic field through the hollow exciting current pathway, the ion beam is bent depending upon mass of ions. The ion beam with desired mass is taken out through between the conductors at the outlet with a result that an ion beam greater in size can be ion mass separated uniformly.

Abstract: In semiconductor manufacturing equipment having a residual gas analyzing apparatus for analyzing the composition of residual gas in a process chamber of the equipment a heater of the residual gas analyzer is interlocked with a heater of the process chamber. The residual gas analyzer includes an ion detector, and the heater of the residual gas analyzer has a filament and a heating jacket surrounding a portion of the ion detector. A relay connects a power source of the heater for the process chamber to the heater of the residual gas analyzer. Power is supplied to and cut off from the heater of the residual gas analyzer in response to heater on/off signals used for controlling the operation for the heater for the process chamber.

Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of selecting ions in an ion storage device with high resolution in a short time period while suppressing amplitude of ion oscillation immediately after the selection. In a method of selecting ions within a specific range of mass-to-charge ratio by applying an ion-selecting electric field in an ion storage space of an ion storage device, the method according to the present invention is characterized in that the ion-selecting electric field is produced from a waveform whose frequency is substantially scanned, and the waveform is made anti-symmetric by multiplying a weight function whose polarity reverses, or by shifting a phase of the waveform by odd multiple of &pgr;, at around a secular frequency of the ions to be left in the ion storage space. It is preferable that the frequency of the waveforms is scanned in a direction where the frequency decreases.

Abstract: A new detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is disclosed. This detection scheme allows extending the dynamic range of spectrometers operating with a counting, technique (TDC). The extended dynamic range is achieved by constructing a multiple anode detector wherein the individual anodes detect different fractions of the incoming particles. Different anode fractions are achieved by varying the size, physical location, and electrical/magnetic fields of the various anodes. An anode with a small anode fraction avoids saturation and allows an ion detector to render an accurate count of ions even for abundant species.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to modified ion source targets suitable for use with liquid matrices (e.g., glycerol and lactic acid) in liquid matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) methods, as used, for example, in infrared (IR) liquid MALDI mass spectrometry (MS), preferably using time of flight (TOF) instruments. The modified targets comprise (a) a target plate (3) adapted for use in an ion source, said plate having an outward facing surface; and (b) a shielded sample cavity comprising: (i) a sample cavity (4) formed in said outward facing surface, said cavity having a sample cavity mouth and a sample cavity volume, and adapted to receive a liquid sample (5); and (ii) a perforated sample cavity shield (1), said shield covering said sample cavity mouth and having one or more exit holes through which ions formed inside the sample cavity may escape or be extracted.

Abstract: A high-frequency power supply apparatus for a plasma generation apparatus having a modulator for generating an intermittent high-frequency output on the basis of a modulation reference signal and a peak value setting signal, the high-frequency power supply apparatus having: a first control loop for comparing the peak value of the intermittent high-frequency output detected by a peak value detector with a preset peak value of the high-frequency output so that the output controller controls the peak value of the high-frequency output to be the preset peak value; and a second control loop for calculating an average value of the intermittent high-frequency output based on the preset peak setting value and a preset duty ratio setting value and generating a modulation reference signal for controlling the modulator on the basis of the average value of the high-frequency output detected by a monitor and the average value of the high-frequency output.