Patent ID: 7528366
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for analyzing chemical species, comprising: (a) at least two ion sources for producing ions from said chemical species; (b) at least two two-dimensional ion traps, each said ion trap comprising an entrance end where ions enter said ion trap and an exit end where ions exit said ion trap, wherein at least two of said at least two two-dimensional ion traps comprise a multipole array wherein one or more poles of one of said ion traps is shared with a second one of said ion traps; (c) means for transporting said ions from said ion sources to said entrance ends, such that ions from each said source are transported to said entrance end of a separate one of said ion traps, respectively; (d) at least two ion trap exit lenses, wherein each said exit lens is located proximal to each of said ion trap exit ends, respectively; (e) a fast voltage switching device for switching voltage levels applied to each said exit lens between a first voltage level whereby ions are prevented from exiting said ion trap, and a second voltage level whereby ions exit said ion trap; (f) a mass analyzer and detector for mass analyzing said ions exiting said ion traps and producing an output signal responsive to said ions following mass analysis; (g) a data acquisition system for recording said output signals; and; (h) an accurate timing device for controlling the timing and durations of said exit lenses voltage levels.