Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing electron capture dissociation on multiply charged cations. Provided is an electron emitter which, upon triggering, emits a plurality of low energy electrons suitable for efficient electron capture reactions to occur. Further, the device contains a particle emitter being located proximate to the electron emitter and being capable, upon triggering, to emit a plurality of high energy charged particles substantially in a direction towards the electron emitter in order that the electron emitter receives a portion of the emitted plurality of high energy charged particles and emission of the plurality of low energy electrons is triggered. A volume capable of containing a plurality of multiply charged cations is located in opposing relation to the electron emitter such that the volume receives the plurality of low energy electrons upon emission as to allow electron capture dissociation to occur.

Abstract: An ion source includes a filament configured to emit thermoelectrons and a cathode having a first side proximate the filament and a second side opposite the first side. The cathode includes a first layer that includes a first material on the first side of the cathode and a second layer on the second side of the cathode. The first layer is between the filament and the second side.

Abstract: An accumulating ion source for a mass spectrometer that includes a sample injector (328) introducing sample vapors into an ionization space (115) and an electron emitter (102) emitting a continuous electron beam (104) into the ionization space (115) to generate analyte ions. The accumulating ion source further includes first and second electrodes (108a, 108b) arranged spaced apart in the ionization space (115) for accumulating analyte ions substantially therebetween. The first and second electrodes (108a, 108b) receive periodic extraction energy potentials to accelerate packets of analyte ions from the ionization space (115) along a first axis. An orthogonal accelerator (140) receives the packets of analyte ions along the first axis and periodically accelerates the packets of analyte ions along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed for use in fabrication of semiconductors. The ion source includes an electron emitter that includes a cathode mounted external to the ionization chamber for use in fabrication of semiconductors. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the electron emitter is employed without a corresponding anode or electron optics. As such, the distance between the cathode and the ionization chamber can be shortened to enable the ion source to be operated in an arc discharge mode or generate a plasma. Alternatively, the ion source can be operated in a dual mode with a single electron emitter by selectively varying the distance between the cathode and the ionization chamber.

Abstract: Ion sources for use in mass spectrometry (MS) systems are described. The ion sources each comprise an ion funnel and an ionization source configured to ionize neutral analyte molecules.

Abstract: Gaseous analyte molecules are ionized at atmospheric pressure and provided to an inlet capillary of an ion spectrometer vacuum system by passing the ions through a reaction tube that ends in a conical intermediate piece for a gastight and smooth transition into the inlet capillary. The reaction tube is shaped so that the atmospheric pressure gas stream passing therethrough form the entrance of the tune to the intermediate piece is stably laminar. Analyte molecules from gas chromatographs, spray devices or vaporization devices can be introduced into the entrance of the reaction tube and ionized within the tube by single- or multi-photon ionization, by chemical ionization, by reactant ions or by physical ionization. For single- or multi-photon ionization, a beam from a laser can be passed axially down the reaction tube. Reactant ions can be produced by any means outside of the reaction tube and mixed with the analyte molecules within the tube.

Abstract: A non-radioactive source for Atmospheric Pressure Ionization is described. The electron-beam sealed tube uses a pyroelectric crystal(s). One end of the crystal is grounded while the other end has a metallic cap with sharp feature to generate an electron beam of a given energy. The rate of heating and/or cooling of the crystal is used to control the current generated from a tube. A heating and/or cooling element such as a Peltier element is useful for controlling the rate of cooling of the crystal. A thin window that is transparent to electrons but impervious to gases is needed in order to prolong the life of the tube and allow the extraction of the electrons. If needed, multiple crystals with independent heaters can be used to provide continuous operation of the device. Dielectric shielding of the pyroelectric crystal is used to minimize discharge of the crystal.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus and method with a combined primary electrospray and secondary electrospray ionization source used to enhance ionization efficiency. The solid phase as well as liquid phase sampling, ionization, and detection is described.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a multimode ion source are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for ion implantation, the apparatus including an ion source having a hot cathode and a high frequency plasma generator, wherein the ion source has multiple modes of operation.

Abstract: An electron beam emitter includes an electron generator for generating electrons. The electron generator can have a housing containing at least one electron source for generating the electrons. The at least one electron source has a width. The electron generator housing can have an electron permeable region spaced from the at least one electron source for allowing extraction of the electrons from the electron generator housing. The electron permeable region can include a series of narrow elongate slots and ribs formed in the electron generator housing and extending laterally beyond the width of the at least one electron source. The electron permeable region can be configured and positioned relative to the at least one electron source for laterally spreading the electrons that are generated by the at least one electron source.

Abstract: A processing system is provided for irradiating a substrate with a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB). The system includes a nozzle for forming and emitting gas cluster beams through a nozzle outlet, and a stagnation chamber that is located upstream of and adjacent the nozzle. The stagnation chamber has an inlet, and the nozzle is configured to direct a single gas cluster beam toward the substrate. An ionizer is positioned downstream of the outlet and is configured to ionize the gas cluster beam to form the GCIB. The system also includes a gas supply that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the stagnation chamber, and which includes a gas source and a valve located between the gas source and the nozzle for controlling flow of a gas between the gas source and the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of replacing an ion source in a mass spectrometer (MS) system is provided, where the ion source includes an ionization volume, at least one ionizing element and at least one focusing element, and where the mass MS system includes the ion source, a vacuum chamber that houses the ion source, and an interlock chamber. The method includes opening a valve between the interlock chamber and the vacuum chamber, moving the ion source into the interlock chamber through the opened valve and closing the valve, and removing the ion source from the interlock chamber. The ion source may further include means for plugging into a docking station in substantially one action, where the docking station provides sufficient electrical connection, upon plugging with the ion source, for operation of the ion source.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: A closed drift ion source is provided, having an anode that serves as both the center magnetic pole and as the electrical anode. The anode has an insulating material cap that produces a closed drift region to further increase the electrical impedance of the source. The ion source can be configured as a round, conventional ion source for space thruster applications or as a long, linear ion source for uniformly treating large area substrates. A particularly useful implementation uses the present invention as an anode for a magnetron sputter process.

Abstract: A linear plasma electron source is provided. The linear plasma electron source includes a housing acting as a first electrode, the housing having side walls a slit opening in the housing for trespassing of a electron beam, the slit opening defining a length direction of the source, a second electrode being arranged within the housing and having a first side facing the slit opening, the first side being spaced from the slit opening by a first distance, wherein the length of the electron source in the length direction is at least 5 times the first distance, and at least one gas supply for providing a gas into the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum measurement device includes a grid (10) and an electron source (20) provided inside a vacuum vessel, and an ion beam (100) extracted outside the grid is captured by an ion collector (40) and is converted into a current signal. The grid (10) is a grid-shaped cylinder, and an ion outlet (11) is opened and elongated in the longitudinal direction along the side surface of the grid (10). The vacuum measurement device includes a primary ion collector (40) capturing specific ions and a secondary ion collector (50) capturing other ions. The gas molecule density of the ion source is obtained from a total current of the primary and secondary ion collectors, and a ratio of the gas molecule density of the specific ions relative to the gas molecule density is obtained from a ratio of the current of the primary ion collector (40) relative to the total current.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: The invention provides an ionization source for mass spectrometers named Universal Soft Ionization Source (USIS), wherein the ionization chamber combines various physical effects including InfraRed and UltraViolet normal or laser light, ultrasound, electrostatic potential and differential temperature to analyze polar, non-polar, low, medium or high molecular weight molecules, in order to ionize a variety of compounds.

Abstract: A hybrid ion source, comprising a source body configured to create plasma therein, from a first material, wherein the first material comprises one of monatomic gases, small molecule gases, large molecule gases, reactive gases, and solids, a low power plasma generation component operably associated with the source body, a high power plasma generation component operably associated with the source body and an extraction aperture configured to extract ions of the ion plasma from the source body.

Abstract: In an analytical spectrometer in which accelerated electrons are used to ionize analytes, a non-radioactive electron source uses a gas discharge to generate the electrons. The gas discharge is located in a substantially hermetic source chamber and the free electrons in the plasma of the gas discharge are accelerated in an electric acceleration region towards a partition wall which separates the source chamber from a reaction chamber. The partition wall is permeable to the accelerated electrons but impermeable to gas in the source chamber so that the electrons penetrate the partition wall into the reaction chamber and generate primary ions that chemically ionize the analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front plate for an ion source that is suitable for an ion implanter. The front plate according to the invention comprises obverse and reverse sides, an exit aperture for allowing egress of ions from the ion source that extends substantially straight through the front plate between the obverse and reverse sides, and a slot penetrating through the front plate from obverse side to reverse side at a slant for at least part of its depth, the slot extending from a side of the front plate to join the exit aperture. The slot is slanted to occlude line of sight into the ion source when viewed from in front, yet provides an expansion gap.

Abstract: A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: An ion source may include first, second, and third electrodes. The first electrode may be a repeller having a V-shaped groove. The second electrode may be an electron emitter filament disposed adjacent the base of the V-shaped groove. The third electrode may be an anode that defines an enclosed volume with an aperture formed therein adjacent the electron emitter filament. A potential of the first electrode may be less than a potential of the second electrode, and the potential of the second electrode may be less than a potential of the third electrode. A fourth electrode that is disposed between the electron emitter filament and the anode may be used to produce a more collimated electron beam.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: An ionization cell for a mass spectrometer (2) includes: an ionization housing (10) having a first and a second electron input groove (11, 26) and one side (16) of which has an output groove (15) for passing ionized particles (14a, 14b, 14c) therethrough, a first working filament (13) placed opposite the first electron input groove (11) and intended to be supplied to produce an electron beam (12), and a second backup filament (22) placed opposite the second electron input groove (26) and intended to be supplied in the event the first working filament (13) fails so as to produce the electron beam, the input groove (26) being placed outside a front region (F) located opposite the first input groove (11). The invention also relates to a leak detector with a mass spectrometer, which includes such an above-described ionization cell.

Abstract: A cathode configuration for emission of electrons has a reaction zone connected to an entrance opening for the supply of neutral particles. The opening communicates with the cathode configuration for the ionization of the neutral particles and an ion extraction system communicates with the reaction zone. Ions from the extraction system are sent to a detection system and a mechanism for the evacuation of the mass spectrometer arrangement. The cathode configuration includes a field emission cathode with an emitter surface, wherein at a short distance from this emitter surface, an extraction grid is disposed for the extraction of electrons, which grid substantially covers the emitter surface. The emitter surface encompasses herein at least partially a hollow volume such that a tubular structure is formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: providing a supply of molecules containing a plurality of dopant atoms into an ionization chamber, ionizing said molecules into dopant cluster ions, extracting and accelerating the dopant cluster ions with an electric field, selecting the desired cluster ions by mass analysis, modifying the final implant energy of the cluster ion through post-analysis ion optics, and implanting the dopant cluster ions into a semiconductor substrate. In general, dopant molecules contain n dopant atoms, where n is an integer number greater than 10. This method enables increasing the dopant dose rate to n times the implantation current with an equivalent per dopant atom energy of 1/n times the cluster implantation energy, while reducing the charge per dopant atom by the factor n.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in mass spectrometry comprising an injector body, an injection tube coupled to the injector body, and a shielding assembly disposed between the injector body and the injection tube. The shielding apparatus is suitable for shielding the injector body from heat generated by a plasma source.

Abstract: An integrated disposable includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing at least a portion of a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet. The lancet packet and the sterility sheet, in particular, allow the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The lancet in one form is incorporated into a lancet tape that is sterilized in a continuous, reel-to-reel sterilization process. The lancet tape in one form is sterilized using an electron beam sterilization process. With electron beam sterilization, sterilization is enhanced by irradiating both sides of the tape with electron beams. Sterilization can adversely affect chemical reagents in the test strip. To alleviate this chemistry degradation issue, the lancet packet is attached to the test strip after the lancet is sterilized.

Abstract: A non-radioactive source for Atmospheric Pressure Ionization is described. The electron-beam sealed tube uses a pyroelectric crystal(s). One end of the crystal is grounded while the other end has a metallic cap with sharp feature to generate an electron beam of a given energy. The rate of heating and/or cooling of the crystal is used to control the current generated from a tube. A heating and/or cooling element such as a Peltier element is useful for controlling the rate of cooling of the crystal. A thin window that is transparent to electrons but impervious to gases is needed in order to prolong the life of the tube and allow the extraction of the electrons. If needed, multiple crystals with independent heaters can be used to provide continuous operation of the device. Dielectric shielding of the pyroelectric crystal is used to minimize discharge of the crystal.

Abstract: A plurality of molecule components included in a gas are to be ionized at the same time by PI method. For instance, a plurality of molecule components included in a gas generated at a certain instance are accurately analyzed in real time based on PI method. A gas analyzer is provided with a gas transfer apparatus for transferring a gas generated from a sample in a sample chamber to an analyzing chamber; an ionizer for ionizing the gas; a quadruple filter for separating ions by mass/charge ratio; and an ion detector for detecting the separated ions. The ionizer is provided with an ionizing region arranged in the vicinity of a gas exhaust of the gas transfer apparatus, and a lamp for applying light on the ionizing region. Since the lamp outputs light which has light directivity lower than that of a laser beam and travels by spreading, the gas entered the ionizing region in the ionizer receives light in a wide range, and the gas components inside are ionized at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ions can include an emitter having a first end and a second end. The emitter can be coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt. The apparatus can also include a power supply and a first electrode disposed downstream relative to the first end of the emitter and electrically connected to a first lead of the power supply. The apparatus can also include a second electrode disposed downstream relative to the second end of the emitter and electrically connected to a second lead of the power supply.

Abstract: A cathode having electron production and focusing grooves for an ion source of an ion implanter system, the ion source and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cathode includes a working surface having a plurality of electron production and focusing grooves positioned therein. A repeller of the ion source may be similarly structured.

Abstract: Vapor delivery systems and methods that control the heating and flow of vapors from solid feed material, especially material that comprises cluster molecules for semiconductor manufacture. The systems and methods safely and effectively conduct the vapor to a point of utilization, especially to an ion source for ion implantation. Ion beam implantation is shown employing ions from the cluster materials. The vapor delivery system includes reactive gas cleaning of the ion source, control systems and protocols, wide dynamic range flow-control systems and vaporizer selections that are efficient and safe. Borane, decarborane, carboranes, carbon clusters and other large molecules are vaporized for ion implantation. Such systems are shown cooperating with novel vaporizers, ion sources, and reactive cleaning systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating ions at atmospheric pressure are presented. These systems and methods include spatially dependent analysis of a sample using an effusive ionization source. Systems and methods of isolating samples at atmospheric pressure are presented. These systems and methods include using a barrier to prevent metastables or electrons from an effusive ion source from reaching a sample unless the sample is in an analysis position. Systems and methods of using metastables in collisionally induced dissociation are presented.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed wherein a sample is introduced into the sample chamber (1) of the ion source in the gas phase via a sample introduction capillary tube (2). The sample is directed onto a heated surface (6) coated with an oxidising reagent such as copper oxide. Carbon in the sample is oxidised to form carbon dioxide. The resulting carbon dioxide molecules are then ionised by electron impact ionisation with an electron beam (3) and the resulting ions are passed to a mass analyser for mass analysis.

Abstract: A method of replacing an ion source in a mass spectrometer (MS) system is provided, where the ion source includes an ionization volume, at least one ionizing element and at least one focusing element, and where the mass MS system includes the ion source, a vacuum chamber that houses the ion source, and an interlock chamber. The method includes opening a valve between the interlock chamber and the vacuum chamber, moving the ion source into the interlock chamber through the opened valve and closing the valve, and removing the ion source from the interlock chamber. The ion source may further include means for plugging into a docking station in substantially one action, where the docking station provides sufficient electrical connection, upon plugging with the ion source, for operation of the ion source.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material for use in packaging for protein containing products, such as food products or medical drugs. The packaging material is sterilized by irradiating it using a beam of ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam or a beam of gamma rays. Afterwards, the packaging material is processed in such a manner that protein reactive substances or compounds formed in the packaging material during the irradiation step are at least partly removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins. The processing step may advantageously be performed by heating the packaging material. Preferably, the processing step involves accelerating diffusion from the packaging material of protein reactive substances or compounds. Since the protein reactive substances or compounds are removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins, degradation of the product which is later stored in the packaging material is considerably reduced.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: This invention relates an ion beam source (10) for use with a non-electrical conducting target (14) including a grid (13) for extracting ions and a power supply for supplying pass power to the grid (13) to extract the ions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: This invention describes an analytical system where a kinetic impact ionisation source is combined with an RF—only ion guide to form a mass spectrometer system for analysis of the elemental and chemical composition of exoatmospheric particles. The kinetic impact ionisation source may be used to transform a flux of particle debris into a beam of ions for analysis by a mass analyzer.

Abstract: An ion source includes a first plasma chamber including a plasma generating component and a first gas inlet for receiving a first gas such that said plasma generating component and said first gas interact to generate a first plasma within said first plasma chamber, wherein said first plasma chamber further defines an aperture for extracting electrons from said first plasma, and a second plasma chamber including a second gas inlet for receiving a second gas, wherein said second plasma chamber further defines an aperture in substantial alignment with the aperture of said first plasma chamber, for receiving electrons extracted therefrom, such that the electrons and the second gas interact to generate a second plasma within said second plasma chamber, said second plasma chamber further defining an extraction aperture for extracting ions from said second plasma.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry ionization method in which electrospray droplets or solid sample matrices are exposed to an ion beam thereby increasing the unbalanced charge of the analyte is provided. In another embodiment, a mass spectrometry ionization method in which ionization of the sample is achieved by directing an ion beam at a liquid or solid sample matrix containing analyte thereby ionizing and adding unbalanced charge to the analyte is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of treating a medical device. The method includes providing the medical device. The medical device has an opening defined by two contacting surfaces in a polyalkylsiloxane based portion of the medical device. The method further includes irradiating the medical device free of externally applied lubricant to sterilize the medical device.

Abstract: An electrically conductive heat-blocking plate 11 with an opening 12 for allowing thermions to pass through is provided between a filament 3, whose temperature can be as high as 2000° to 3000° C., and an ionization chamber 2. The heat-blocking plate 11 is thermally connected via an aluminum block 10 to a heater for maintaining the ionization chamber 2 within a range temperature from 200° to 300° C., and also electrically set at a ground potential, which is approximately equal to the potential of the ionization chamber 2. The heat-blocking plate 11 blocks the radiation heat that the filament 3 emits when energized. Thus, the wall of the ionization chamber 2 is prevented from being locally heated to an abnormally high temperature. As a result, the inner space of the ionization chamber 2 is maintained at an approximately uniform temperature, and the noise due to the decomposition of a metallic material by abnormal heating is prevented.

Abstract: Provided is an ion generating apparatus. The ion generating apparatus includes opposed electrodes connected to a high-frequency power supply, and hence, even in a case where a cathode filament is broken, hydride gas can be ionized to generate hydrogen ion. Thus, a fluorine compound deposited in a source housing is reduced in vacuum, and gas containing fluorine generated due to the above-mentioned reduction reaction is discharged with a vacuum pump.

Abstract: An electrically conductive heat-blocking plate 11 with an opening 12 for allowing thermions to pass through is provided between a filament 3, whose temperature can be as high as 2000° to 3000° C., and an ionization chamber 2. The heat-blocking plate 11 is thermally connected via an aluminum block 10 to a heater for maintaining the ionization chamber 2 within a range temperature from 200° to 300° C., and also electrically set at a ground potential, which is approximately equal to the potential of the ionization chamber 2. The heat-blocking plate 11 blocks the radiation heat that the filament 3 emits when energized. Thus, the wall of the ionization chamber 2 is prevented from being locally heated to an abnormally high temperature. As a result, the inner space of the ionization chamber 2 is maintained at an approximately uniform temperature, and the noise due to the decomposition of a metallic material by abnormal heating is prevented.