Patent ID: 6744043
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
A spectrometer comprising:an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) device, for use in promoting separation of ions based on different mobility characteristics, the ion mobility spectrometer device comprising: an inlet for ions; an ion mobility section for receiving ions from the ion inlet; means for forming an axial DC field within the pan mobility section, to generate a potential gradient along the axis thereof; means for maintaining a gas at a desired pressure within the mobility section, whereby ions traveling through the mobility section under the influence of potential gradient are subject to collision with the gas, promoting separation based on differing mobility characteristics; an ion focusing section including an RF ion guide having an axis, and means for supplying an RF voltage to the RF guide, to generate a field to promote focusing of ions along the axis of the RF ion guide, the ion mobility section being one of upstream from and internal with the ion focusing section; and at least one mass analysis section, providing a final mass analysis section, for receiving ions from the RF ion guide and for separating ions based on differing mass-to-charge characteristics.