Patent ID: 7642511
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A mass spectrometer system, comprising: an inlet system comprising an aerodynamic lens system for collimating charged particles into a beam, and an aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device for receiving and slowing said charged particles to near zero kinetic energy, and a detection system for receiving and identifying said charged particles to determine a mass of said charged particles, wherein said aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device comprises a reverse jet, wherein said reverse jet sits in a vacuum chamber in line with an axis of said beam, said reverse jet being a gas flux generated in an annulus centered on said axis of said beam and propagating in an opposite direction of said beam, said reverse jet having an opening through its center wherein said beam delivered from said aerodynamic lens system passes through said center of said reverse jet, wherein said gas flux through is adjustable to decrease the forward velocity of said beam while permitting passage through said center of said annulus.