Thermo Finnigan LLC

Rohan A Thakur

Eloy R Wouters

Maurizio Splendore

Jean-Jacques Dunyach

An apparatus and method for introducing ions into a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer includes producing ions in an ionization chamber of an ion source. The ions are sampled into an intermediate pressure chamber via a first ion transfer tube. In particular, the pressure within the intermediate pressure chamber is maintained at a value that exceeds a maximum pressure for being sampled into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Some of the ions are sampled from the intermediate pressure chamber via at least a second ion transfer tube, the at least a second ion transfer tube having an outlet end that is in communication with a low-pressure chamber. In particular, the pressure within the low-pressure chamber is maintained at a value that is less than a maximum pressure for being sampled into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Some of the ions are sampled from the low-pressure chamber into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer.

Apparatus and method for a multi-stage ion transfer tube assembly for use with mass spectrometry

An ion guide having a plurality of spheroidal or similarly shaped electrodes is disclosed. The electrodes are arranged in pairs about a central ion flow axis, and an RF voltage is applied in a prescribed phase relation to create an electric field that focuses and radially confines an ion beam. A defocusing effect associated with the electrode shape may be reduced by placement of a separate skirt electrode immediately downstream in the ion path, or by forming the electrodes in a composite structure, whereby the trailing portion of the electrode is fabricated from or coated with an insulative material.

Multipole ion guide having longitudinally rounded electrodes

An electrospray interface for forming ions from a liquid sample in a mass analyzing system includes a capillary tube having a free end for introducing a spray of droplets into an ionization chamber, a first gas passageway positioned near the capillary tube for directing a first gas stream into the ionization chamber, and a second gas passageway positioned more remotely from the capillary tube for directing a second, low-velocity gas stream into the ionization chamber. The second gas stream is heated to increase the droplet desolvation rate. A heated sampling capillary having an end extending into the ionization chamber guides the analyte ions toward a mass analyzer and evaporates the solvent from any incompletely desolvated droplets entering the sampling capillary.

Electrospray ion source apparatus

An atmospheric pressure ionization source is provided. The atmospheric pressure ionization source comprises a chamber housing, a spray probe that produces a spray cone along a spray axis within the chamber, and an exhaust port opposite the spray probe on the housing. The exhaust port includes at least two segments, a first segment of the exhaust port is disposed between a second segment and an opening through the housing that receives the spray cone. The first segment defines a first axis that is co-axial with the spray axis, and the second segment defines a second axis that is angled relative to the first axis.

Exhaust port design for API sources

Ion transfer assemblies and methods for directing ions from an ionization source to a mass analyzer. A first partition element separates a viscous flow region from a transition flow region. A second partition element separates the transition flow region into a first transition flow chamber and a second transition flow chamber. A focusing element defines a cavity shaped to direct a portion of a gas flow including ions entrained in a background gas from a first aperture in the first partition element towards a second aperture in the second partition element based on gas dynamics. The cavity is shaped to direct the gas flow without requiring the application of external electrostatic fields. Vents or slits can be provided in or between the first partition element and the focusing element to provide for expansion of the gas flow in the transition flow region.

Focusing ions using gas dynamics

Systems and components for use in ion transfer in a mass spectrometer. The components include a body having an orifice through which ions can pass, wherein at least a portion of the body comprises titanium metal. Alternatively, the components can include an ion guide into which ions can pass, wherein at least a portion of the ion guide comprises titanium metal. The system has a source of ions for generating ions and a body having an orifice through which ions can pass, wherein at least a portion of the body comprises titanium metal.

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Los Altos, CA, United States of America

Rohan A Thakur