Patent ID: 6943347
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transferring gas-phase ions or particles from an ion source region into an ion collection region, the improvement wherein said apparatus comprising: a. a dispersive source of ions; b. a stratified tube consisting of a plurality of elements, said elements comprise alternating layers of metal electrodes and dielectric insulators, through which at least some of said ions from said ion source pass unobstructed; c. a tube exit region, one wall of which is formed by an exit element of said stratified tube, said tube exit region upstream of said ion collection region, and means for maintaining the ambient pressure in said tube exit region substantially below that in said ion source; d. means for maintaining a potential difference between said ion source and said stratified tube which is equal to that required to pass substantially all said ions into inlet of said stratified tube; e. means for maintaining a potential between said individual elements of said stratified tube which is at least as great as that required to maintain the direction of said ions at or near coaxial within stratified tube; and f. means for maintaining and controlling the temperature of said stratified tube.