Apparatus for preparing a sample for mass spectrometry
An apparatus is described 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. 1 figures.
- Issue Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- 7107664
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States) PTO; EDB-94-102367
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5311016; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-933151
- Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 21 Aug 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY; MASS SPECTROMETERS; SAMPLE HOLDERS; MASS SPECTROSCOPY; SAMPLE PREPARATION; DESIGN; IONIZATION; OPERATION; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; SPECTROMETERS; SPECTROSCOPY; 400102* - Chemical & Spectral Procedures