Micro channel cartridge for mass spectrometer

A cartridge assembly for a mass spectrometer, the cartridge assembly comprising:

• an input detector plate, wherein the input detector plate defines a plurality of input plate channels extending from an input side of the input detector plate to an output side of the input detector plate;
• an output detector plate, wherein the output detector plate defines a plurality of output plate channels extending from an input side of the output detector plate to an output side of the output detector plate, and wherein the input detector plate and the output detector plate are aligned along a common axis;
• a spacer in contact with the output side of the input detector plate and the input side of the output detector plate;
• a washer disposed in contact with the output side of the output detector plate;
• an input housing portion disposed in contact with the input side of the input detector plate;
• and
• a biasing element in contact with the washer for biasing each of the washer, the output detector plate, the spacer, and the input detector plate towards the input housing portion.

A method of assembling a cartridge, the method comprising:

• positioning an input detector plate against an input housing portion, wherein the input detector plate comprises a plurality of input plate clamping areas, and wherein the input housing portion comprises a plurality of plate support features;
• positioning a spacer against the input detector plate, wherein the spacer comprises a plurality of clamping tabs;
• positioning an output detector plate against the spacer, wherein the output detector plate comprises a plurality of output plate clamping areas;
• positioning a washer against the output detector plate, wherein the washer comprises a plurality of clamping blocks;
• positioning a biasing element against the washer;
• and
• positioning an output housing portion against the biasing element, wherein the plurality of plate support features, the plurality of input plate clamping areas, the plurality of clamping tabs, the plurality of output plate clamping areas, and the plurality of clamping blocks are aligned.