Mass analysis apparatuses and methods

Abstract

A device () for manipulating charged particles, the device comprising a series of electrodes () disposed so as to form a channel for transportation of the charged particles. A power supply unit () provides a first supply voltage () which changes according to a waveform having a period (T), to axially segmented bunching electrodes () to create an electric field within the channel. The potential of the electric field defines a potential well which is translated along the length of the channel such that the potential well is translated a distance substantially equal to its length in an interval of time substantially equal to the period (T). The waveform is substantially continuously smooth throughout its period (T); and, substantially constant in value throughout a finite duration of time (T<T) within the period (T), corresponding to a minimum of the waveform. A power supply unit () provides a second supply voltage () to radial confinement electrodes () to create a radially confining electric field within the channel configured to radially confine charged particles within the channel.