The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 23, 1994
Filed:
May. 18, 1992
Max L Deinzer, Corvallis, OR (US);
James A Laramee, Corvallis, OR (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for mass-analysis of a sample for particular analytes of interest. An electron monochromator is coupled to any of a number of different types of mass analyzer and used to generate slow electrons used to produce ions of target molecules for mass analysis. The electrons have a narrow energy bandwidth and high intensity, even at nearly zero kinetic energy levels. The median energy level of the electrons can be preset, permitting selection of specific target molecules to be ionized. Both positive and negative-ion mass analysis can be performed. Electron-capture negative-ion mass spectrometry is particularly enhanced, with a sensitivity about three orders of magnitude greater than in results obtained using conventional negative-ion equipment. Also, a buffer gas is eliminated, allowing substantial reductions in negative-ion equipment size, weight, and energy consumption. The mass analyzer can be an ion trap, making possible sensitive analysis of low concentrations of chemical analytes, such as environmental contaminants, using a hand-held instrument. Multiple mass analyzers, or combinations of a mass analyzer with other analytical instruments such a gas chromatograph, can be coupled to the electron monochromator.