The University of New Mexico

Sri International

Dh Technologies Development Pte. Ltd.

Renishaw Diagnostics Limited

Gareth S Dobson

Christie Enke

Erkinjon G Nazarov

Joseph R Stetter

Alexander Hallock

Lawrence H Dubois

Stephen L Coy

Michael Coggiola

Michael J Vestel

Richard Copeland

Caterina Netti

Detecting and identifying ions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and an ion separation pre-filter, such as an ion spectrometer, are provided. The combination of an ion separator as a pre-filter for SERS provides a highly sensitive detector with very low false alarm rates. Target ions from an ionized sample are identified and separated by the ion separator. The target ions are steered and deposited onto a SERS substrate for Raman spectroscopic analysis with an optical probe. The Raman spectrum is compared with reference spectra and the composition of the sample is identified. The ion current from the target ions can also be measured, preferably concurrently with the Raman spectrum measurement. Types of ion separators include a differential ion mobility spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or a mass spectrometer.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection with ion separation pre-filter

A miniature linear ion trap (MLIT) with a length of less than 30 mm is provided for ion focusing in the axial plane. The MLIT has multipoles for applying an AC voltage to ions and tubular entrance and exit lenses for applying a DC voltage to the ions. In another aspect, MLIT includes electrodes within the tubular entrance and exit lenses for detection of image current. A method is also provided for applying voltage to the entrance and exit lenses for ion focusing.

Ion focusing and detection in a miniature linear ion trap for mass spectrometry

A distance-of-flight mass spectrometer (DOF-MS) imparts constant momentum acceleration to ions in an ion source and uses an ion mirror to enhance energy focusing. Embodiments of DOF-MS with ion mirror are shown. Further, a method of compensating for the dispersion of initial ion position and velocity in the ion source is discussed.

Energy focus for distance of flight mass spectometry with constant momentum acceleration and an ion mirror

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Burlingame, CA, United States of America

Gareth S Dobson