Patent ID: 7041967
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of analyzing ions to enhance the separation of groups of ions with different charge states, the method comprising: (1) providing a stream of ions, wherein the stream of ions includes at least a first group of ions having a first charge state and a second group of ions having a second charge state and injecting at least a portion of the stream of ions into an ion processing section for an injection period; (2) trapping at least some of the injected ions in the ion processing section in an axial direction of the ion processing section; (3) thermalizing the trapped ions; and (4) providing, in the ion processing section, an energy barrier having a barrier magnitude that is constant for at least a separation time period, wherein, during the separation time period: thereby allowing ions in the first group to preferentially escape from the ion processing section.