Patent ID: 9188565
Filing Date: 2015-11-17
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of separating ions in a sample using a high field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device, comprising: (a) providing a FAIMS device; (b) supplying an operating gas to the FAIMS device, wherein a composition of the operating gas comprises a blend of at least two gases; (c) applying a mixture of operating voltages to the FAIMS device to establish a separation field; (d) applying a sample to be analyzed to the FAIMS device; (e) coordinating control of the composition of the operating gas with the application of the mixture of operating voltages, whereby a change in a voltage applied to the FAIMS device results in a change in the composition of the operating gas, wherein the composition of the operating gas is scanned during the coordinated control of the composition of the operating gas and the application of the mixture of operating voltages; (f) separating one or more ions in the sample; and (g) simultaneously scanning the operating voltages and gas composition so as to filter components of the sample and successively transmit them through the FAIMS device, wherein the simultaneous scanning of the operating voltages and gas composition occur during the coordinated control of the composition of the operating gas and the application of the mixture of operating voltages.