Apparatus for preparing a sample for mass spectrometry

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:869290

Villa-Aleman, Eliel ^[1]

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1. Aiken, SC

An apparatus for preparing a sample for analysis by a mass spectrometer system. The apparatus has an entry chamber and an ionization chamber separated by a skimmer. A capacitor having two space-apart electrodes followed by one or more ion-imaging lenses is disposed in the ionization chamber. The chamber is evacuated and the capacitor is charged. A valve injects a sample gas in the form of sample pulses into the entry chamber. The pulse is collimated by the skimmer and enters the ionization chamber. When the sample pulse passes through the gap between the electrodes, it discharges the capacitor and is thereby ionized. The ions are focused by the imaging lenses and enter the mass analyzer, where their mass and charge are analyzed.

• Research Organization: WESTINGHOUSE SAVANNAH RIVER CO
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United State (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5311016
• OSTI ID: 869290
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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