Micromass UK Limited

Paul Anthony Read

Kevin R Howes

Richard Barrington Moulds

Ian David Trivett

Eliot Powell

A detachable and replaceable ion source for a mass spectrometer. The ion source comprises a housing which defines an ion source chamber, an ion source mounting means complementary to mounting means on the mass spectrometer to detachably couple with the mass spectrometer. This allows movement of the housing to bring the ion source chamber into a position of use at the inlet of said mass spectrometer and to take the ion source chamber from said position of use into a retracted position. Sealing means is provided to create an air tight seal between the housing and the mass spectrometer when the ion source chamber is in its position of use. A release mechanism is provided which cooperates with the mass spectrometer to allow the said movement of said housing.

Mass spectrometer

An ion source, a mass spectrometer and a method of enhancing the performance of an ion source for use with a mass spectrometer. The ion source has a housing incorporating an ion source enclosure defining a chamber and an outer cover remote from the chamber. A fluid flow passageway is provided between the ion source enclosure and the outer cover. The method of the invention comprising supplying to the ion source housing a regulated flow of fluid through the fluid passageways so as to maintain the ion source enclosure within a predetermined temperature range of substantially between 60&#xb0; c. and 80&#xb0; c. and preferably at 70&#xb0; c.

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Lancashire, United Kingdom

Paul Anthony Read