Orthogonal acceleration coaxial cylinder time of flight mass analyser
AssigneeMicromass UK Limited
InventorsJohn Brian Hoyes, David J. Langridge, Jason Lee Wildgoose
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A Time of Flight mass analyzer is disclosed comprising an annular ion guide having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first annular ion guide section and a second annular ion guide section. Ions are introduced into the first annular ion guide section so that the ions form substantially stable circular orbits within the first annular ion guide section about the longitudinal axis. The ions are then orthogonally accelerated ions from the first annular ion guide section into the second annular ion guide section. An ion detector is disposed within the annular ion guide and has an ion detecting surface arranged in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
Claims36
A Time of Flight mass analyser comprising:
- an annular ion guide having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first annular ion guide section and a second annular ion guide section;
- a first device arranged and adapted to introduce ions into said first annular ion guide section so that said ions form substantially stable circular orbits within said first annular ion guide section about said longitudinal axis;
- a second device arranged and adapted to orthogonally accelerate ions from said substantially stable circular orbits within said first annular ion guide section into said second annular ion guide section such that ions follow substantially spiral paths as they pass through said second annular ion guide section;
- and
- an ion detector disposed within said annular ion guide and having an ion detecting surface arranged in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis whereby the time of flight of the ions is measured.
A method of mass analysing ions conducted with an annular ion guide having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first annular ion guide section and a second annular ion guide section, said method comprising:
- introducing ions into said first annular ion guide section so that said ions form substantially stable circular orbits within said first annular ion guide section about said longitudinal axis;
- orthogonally accelerating ions from said substantially stable circular orbits within said first annular ion guide section into said second annular ion guide section such that ions follow substantially spiral paths as they pass through said second annular ion guide section;
- detecting said ions using an ion detector disposed within said annular ion guide and having an ion detecting surface arranged in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
- and
- measuring the time of flight of the ions with said ion detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.