Patent ID: 7223971
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating ions, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the first electrode, a space between the first electrode and the second electrode defining a FAIMS analyzer region therebetween, the FAIMS analyzer region in fluid communication with an ion outlet orifice; a first ion inlet orifice defined within a first portion of the first electrode, the first ion inlet orifice spaced-apart from the ion outlet orifice by a first distance, such that ions introduced via the first ion inlet orifice travel the first distance through the FAIMS analyzer region between the first ion inlet orifice and the ion outlet orifice; a second ion inlet orifice defined within a second portion of the first electrode, the second ion inlet orifice spaced-apart from the ion outlet orifice by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance, such that ions introduced via the second ion inlet orifice travel the second distance between the second ion inlet orifice and the ion outlet orifice; and, an ion inlet orifice selector comprising a selector electrode having an opening defined therethrough, the selector electrode moveable between a first position in which the opening is aligned with the first ion inlet orifice for supporting introduction of a flow of ions into the FAIMS analyzer region via the first ion inlet orifice and a second position in which the opening is aligned with the second ion inlet orifice for supporting introduction of a flow of ions via the second ion inlet orifice.