摘要:
In one embodiment, a miniaturized structure and associated method function as a mass spectrometer or analyzer and may, with modification, function as an ion generator. The miniaturized structure has a pair of generally planar parallel spaced electrodes which have projecting walls cooperating to define an ion generating chamber and an exit aperture. By controlling the electric field which is oriented perpendicular to an applied magnetic field, the ion beam may be separated into a plurality beams based upon mass to charge ratio emerging from the exit of the apparatus and when the apparatus is functioning as a mass spectrometer or analyzer impinges on an ion collector which responsively transmits information to a cooperating processor. Where it is desired to have it function as an ionizer the ion collector disposed adjacent the ion exit is eliminated.
摘要:
A circular cycloidal mass spectrometer, Fig. 5, has an outer electrode (74) of generally circular configuration and an inner electrode (70) having generally circular outer periphery with an annulus (76) for the flow of ions (90) defined therebetween. The electrodes (70, 74) are structured to create an electric field therebetween. A magnetic field generator is structured to create a magnetic field oriented generally perpendicular to said electric field. An ion beam source (80) for injecting ions (82) into the annulus (76) for travel therearound is provided, and an ion exit (100) for discharge of the ions traveling in said annulus is provided with an ion collector (102) being disposed adjacent to the ion exit (100). The circular cycloidal mass spectrometer may be structured to provide, under the influence of the electric field and magnetic field, a path of travel (90, 92, 94, 96) for the ion beams, which is similar to either epicycloidal or hypocycloidal curves. If desired, elliptical shapes or other suitable shapes providing a nonlinear path of ion travel may be employed. A filter may be interposed between said outer electrode and said inner electrode.