Patent ID: 7060976
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for the selective transmission of gas-phase ions or charged particles from a higher pressure region into a lower pressure region, the apparatus comprising: a. a source of ions in said higher pressure region; b. a laminated interface populated with a plurality of openings forming an barrier between said higher and lower pressure regions through which said ions pass unobstructed, said interface comprised of alternating layers of metal and insulating laminates, with metal laminates on the top-side and bottom-side of said laminated interface, said metal laminates being supplied with individual attracting electric potentials by connection to a voltage supply generating an electrostatic field between said source of ions in said higher pressure region and said interface; and c. a destination in said lower pressure region having a lower electric potential than said interface, said destination is adjacent to said metal laminate on the underside of said lens, for receiving ions: wherein said interface is a selective and controllable barrier for the passage of said ions from said higher and lower pressure regions.