Brian Christopher Webb

Title: Innovations of Brian Christopher Webb

Introduction

Brian Christopher Webb is a notable inventor based in Wiltshire, GB. He has made significant contributions to the field of mass spectrometry, holding a total of three patents. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mass spectrometers, which are essential tools in various scientific and industrial applications.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is for a mass spectrometry apparatus and methods. This invention features a mass spectrometer equipped with a mass filter that applies a transient voltage profile to accelerate ion packets. The design ensures that each ion species receives a kinetic energy that increases with the mass-to-charge ratio, while the velocity decreases correspondingly. The ions are then detected in an ion detector that discriminates between different ion species based on their kinetic energy, taking into account the functional form of the voltage profile. Suitable voltage profiles include periodic functions such as sinusoids, triangles, and sawtooths, which facilitate the amplification of drive pulses in the mass filter using simple and cost-effective narrow band amplification stages.

Another significant patent by Webb involves mass spectrometers and methods of ion separation and detection. This invention operates according to the iso-tach principle, allowing a mass filter to accelerate ions to nominally equal velocities, regardless of their mass-to-charge ratios. The mass spectrometer is enhanced with an improved detector based on an electrostatic lens arrangement, which includes a concave lens followed by a convex lens. This innovative design deflects ions away from the beam axis by a distance that is inversely proportional to their mass-to-charge ratios, enabling precise determination of the mass-to-charge ratio using a suitable detector array, such as a multi-channel plate.

Career Highlights

Brian Webb is currently employed at Ilika Technologies Limited, where he continues to develop cutting-edge technologies in mass spectrometry. His work has significantly advanced the capabilities of mass spectrometers, making them more compact and sensitive.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Webb has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Donald Clifford Young and David Bream. These partnerships have contributed to the successful development of his innovative technologies.

Conclusion

Brian Christopher Webb is a distinguished inventor whose work in mass spectrometry has led to significant advancements in the field. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to improving scientific instrumentation, making a lasting impact on research and industry.