Patent ID: 6365892
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A time-of-flight mass spectrometer apparatus that allows for correction of an initial ion velocity distribution comprising:an ion source where ions are formed, each ion having an initial kinetic energy; an upstream ion flight region; a downstream ion flight region; a reflectron for reflecting ions from the upstream ion flight region into the downstream ion flight region, the reflectron including: a first section to which a predetermined electric potential profile is applied for deceleration of the ions entering the reflectron from the upstream region down to about the initial kinetic energy, and a second section to which a curved electric potential profile is applied for reflecting ions back to the first section of the reflectron, the curved electric potential profile being dependent upon an electric potential profile in each of the upstream ion flight region, the first section of the reflectron, and the downstream ion flight region; and an ion detector for detecting ions as a function of time.