Non-linear field reflectron

Abstract

A reflectron capable of focusing an entire mass range of product ions at substantially the same focal point, comprising a plurality of lens plates, each having an opening therein, for generating a non-linear electric field in the reflectron. To generate the non-linear electric field, the voltage applied to each successive lens plate increases non-linearly with respect to its adjacent lens plate. The voltage of the first lens plate having the opening through which the ions first enter the reflectron is set to a low potential and the voltage being applied to each successive lens plate increases in a non-linear manner with the largest voltage being applied to the lens plate furthest from the first lens plate. This non-linear voltage application, to generate the non-linear electric field, can be achieved by coupling a potentiometer between each lens plate and adjusting each potentiometer accordingly. Alternatively, to generate the non-linear electric field, the lens plates may be unequally spaced and an equal voltage may be applied to each lens plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.