Patent ID: 8288714
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of trapping and reacting ions in a target ion trap comprising: introducing ions of a first type into an ion trapping assembly comprising a series of volumes arranged such that the ions of the first type can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap and a second volume; allowing the ions of the first type to pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped; causing the ions of the first type passing out from the target ion trap to enter the second volume, to be reflected from an end of the second volume, and to pass out of the second volume without being trapped in the second volume; guiding the ions of the first type passing out of the second volume such that they pass into the target ion trap for a second time; introducing ions of a second type into the target ion trap, the ions of the second type having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the ions of the first type; simultaneously confining the ions of the first and second types within the target ion trap; and allowing the ions of the first and second types to mix.