Patent ID: 7265347
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating ions, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode that is spaced-apart from the first electrode so as to define a FAIMS analyzer region therebetween, the FAIMS analyzer region including a plurality of ion inlets defined through the first electrode for supporting fluid communication between the analyzer region and a region that is external to the analyzer region; a micro-machined ionization source disposed within the region that is external to the analyzer region and including a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles, each nozzle of the plurality of spaced-apart nozzles being aligned approximately with an ion inlet of the plurality of ion inlets; and, at least an electrical controller for applying an asymmetric waveform voltage and a direct current compensation voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to generate an electrical field therebetween, and for applying a voltage for inducing ionization of a liquid sample that is provided to the micro-machined ionization source, wherein, during use, ions are provided simultaneously to different portions of the analyzer region via different ion inlets of the plurality of ion inlets, the ions provided through each ion inlet being produced substantially at a nozzle that is aligned approximately with that ion inlet.