Ion monitoring

A method of detecting ions originating from a monitored location, the method comprising:

• positioning an ion detecting instrument adjacent to a monitored location, the monitored location emitting radiation that produces ions in the surrounding environment, the ion detecting instrument comprising:
• at least one electrode;
• and
• at least one electrically conducting element having at least one aperture extending therethrough, the at least one electrically conducting element being disposed between the at least one electrode and the monitored location;
• applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode relative to the monitored location so that at least some of the ions produced by the radiation travel to the at least one electrode by passing through the at least one aperture of the electrically conducting element;
• and
• monitoring the discharge of ions on the at least one electrode.

An instrument for detecting ions originating from a monitored location, the instrument comprising:

• a body portion and one or more electrodes at an electrical potential relative to the monitored location;
• one or more electrically conducting element(s) provided with one or more apertures, the element(s) being provided between the electrode(s) and the monitored location;
• means for monitoring ions discharged on the electrode(s);
• and
• an additional detector provided in the instrument to detect background ion levels, the additional detector comprising an electrode and an apertured element, the additional detector electrode being separated from the electrode by a guard plate.

An instrument for detecting ions originating from a monitored location, the instrument comprising:

• a body portion at least partially bounding a chamber, the chamber being configured to at least partially receive the monitored location;
• at least one electrode at least partially disposed with the chamber, the at least one electrode being adapted to receive an electrical potential relative to the monitored location;
• at least one electrically conducting element provided with one or more apertures, the at least electrically conducting element being disposed between the at least one electrode and the monitored location;
• and
• means for monitoring ions discharged on the at least one electrode.

A method of detecting ions originating from monitored location, the method comprising:

• positioning an ion detecting instrument adjacent to a first monitored location, the first monitored location emitting radiation that produces ions in the surrounding environment, the ion detecting instrument comprising:
• at least one electrode;
• and
• at least one electrically conducting element having at least one aperture extending therethrough, the at least one electrically conducting element being disposed between the at least one electrode and the monitored location;
• applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode relative to the first monitored location so that at least some of the ions produced by the radiation travel to the at least one electrode by passing through the at least one aperture of the electrically conducting element;
• monitoring the discharge of ions on the at least one electrode with the first monitored location presented to the instrument;
• presenting the ion detecting instrument adjacent to a second monitored location spaced apart from the first monitored location;
• applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode relative to the second monitored location so that at least some of the ions produced by the radiation travel to the at least one electrode by passing through the at least one aperture of the electrically conducting element;
• and
• monitoring the discharge of ions on the at least one electrode with the second monitored location presented to the instrument.