Patent ID: 8217345
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of providing an interface between a Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) and a Mass Spectrometer (MS), wherein the method comprises: providing a first plate with a first aperture configured to receive mobility separated ions from the DMA during use; providing a second plate with a second aperture configured to provide the mobility separated ions to the MS during use; providing an interface region in between the first and second plates, the interface region being configured to receive a gas flow during use to reduce sheath gas outflow from the DMA toward the MS; and configuring the first and second plates to receive voltages during use to generate an electric field there between to guide the mobility separated ions from the first aperture to the second aperture, wherein the gas flow received into the interface region is adjusted to create a pressure within the interface region that is approximately equal to or greater than a pressure within the DMA.