# US 2018/0027643 A1 · Hybrid generators and methods of using them > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2018/0027643 A1 - Document ID: US20180027643A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/588,916 - Filed: 2017-05-08 - Published: 2018-01-25 - Earliest claimed: 2013-10-23 - Assignees: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc. - Applicants: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc. - Inventors: Tak Shun Cheung; Chui Ha Cindy Wong - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180027643A1 ## CPC - H05H 1/30: using applied electromagnetic fields, e.g. high frequency or microwave energy (H05H1/28 takes precedence) - H05H 2242/26: Matching networks - H05H: PLASMA TECHNIQUE (apparatus or processes specially adapted for producing X-rays H05G2/00); PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS ## Abstract Certain embodiments described herein are directed to generators that can be used to sustain a plasma in a driven mode and in an oscillation mode and optionally in a hybrid mode. In some embodiments, the generator is configured to switch between the two modes during operation. In certain instances, the plasma may be ignited when the generator is in a driven mode and may be used to analyze samples when the generator is in an oscillation mode or driven mode or hybrid mode. ## Claims ### Claim at position 1 1-140. (canceled) ### Claim 141 A mass spectrometer comprising: a torch configured to sustain an ionization source; an induction device comprising an aperture for receiving a portion of the torch and configure to provide radio frequency energy into the received torch portion; a generator electrically coupled to the induction device and configured to provide power to sustain an inductively coupled plasma in the torch portion received by the induction device, the generator comprising a circuit configured to electrically couple to an induction device and provide power to the induction device in the driven mode to sustain the inductively coupled plasma in the received torch portion in the driven mode and configured to provide power to the induction device in the oscillation mode to sustain the inductively coupled plasma in the received torch portion in the oscillation mode; and a mass analyzer fluidically coupled to the torch. ### Claim 142 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit comprises a signal source configured to electrically couple to the induction device. ### Claim 143 (depends on 142) The mass spectrometer of claim 142, in which the signal source comprises at least one of a RF frequency synthesizer, a voltage controlled oscillator, and a switchable RF signal source. ### Claim 144 (depends on 142) The mass spectrometer of claim 142, in which the circuit comprises a feedback device configured to electrically couple to the induction device and be enabled during operation of the induction device in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 145 (depends on 144) The mass spectrometer of claim 144, in which the circuit is configured to disable the feedback device during operation in the driven mode. ### Claim 146 (depends on 144) The mass spectrometer of claim 144, in which the circuit is configured to enable the feedback device during operation in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 147 (depends on 146) The mass spectrometer of claim 146, in which the circuit is configured to disable the signal source during operation in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 148 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit is configured to provide impedance matching within about three RF cycles when operated in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 149 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit is configured to provide a substantially constant frequency and amplitude to the induction device during operation in the driven mode. ### Claim 150 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit is configured to provide a variable frequency and amplitude during operation in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 151 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit comprises a driving circuit electrically coupled to the induction device and an oscillating circuit electrically coupled to the induction device. ### Claim 152 (depends on 151) The mass spectrometer of claim 151, further comprising a filter electrically coupled to the oscillating circuit and present between feedback devices of the oscillating circuit and the induction device. ### Claim 153 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, further comprising a detector electrically coupled to the circuit and configured to determine when the plasma is ignited. ### Claim 154 (depends on 153) The mass spectrometer of claim 153, in which the circuit is configured to switch from the driven mode to the oscillation mode at any time after a plasma is detected by the detector. ### Claim 155 (depends on 154) The mass spectrometer of claim 154, further comprising a signal converter between the circuit and the detector. ### Claim 156 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit comprises at least one transistor configured to electrically couple to the induction device in the driven mode and in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 157 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the circuit comprises at least one transistor configured to electrically couple to the induction device in the driven mode and comprises at least one additional transistor configured to electrically couple to the induction device in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 158 (depends on 157) The mass spectrometer of claim 157, in which the circuit is configured to disable the at least one transistor during operation in the oscillation mode. ### Claim 159 (depends on 157) The mass spectrometer of claim 157, in which the at least one transistor and the at least one additional transistor are both enabled in a hybrid mode. ### Claim 160 (depends on 141) The mass spectrometer of claim 141, in which the induction device comprises an induction coil or a plate electrode. ### Claim at position 22 161-321. (canceled)