Patent ID: 7256396
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A high sensitivity glow discharge ion source system, comprising: an aerodynamic lens comprising a plurality of constrictions for receiving an aerosol comprising at least one analyte particle in a carrier gas and focusing said analyte particles into a collimated particle beam; a separator for separating said carrier gas from said analyte particle beam, wherein said analyte particle beam or analyte vapors derived from said analyte particle beam are selectively transmitted out of from said separator, and a glow discharge ionization source comprising a discharge chamber, said discharge chamber including an entrance orifice for receiving said analyte particle beam or said analyte vapors, and a target electrode and discharge electrode therein, wherein an electric field applied between said target electrode and discharge electrode generates an ion stream from said analyte vapors, and an exit orifice for transmitting said ion stream out from said discharge chamber.