Patent ID: 7312444

Claim:
Apparatus for the focusing and selecting of gas-phase ions and/or particles at or near atmospheric pressure, the apparatus comprising: a. a dispersive source of ions; b. a means for providing a concentric flow of gas; c. a conductive high-transmission laminated element comprised alternating layers of metal and insulating laminates, said laminated element populated with a plurality of holes and an entrance lens so that said gas and ions pass unobstructed through into an multi-element assembly, said laminated element being supplied with a regulated gas supply providing a constant and directed flow of gas, said laminated element also being supplied with an attracting electric potential by connection to a high voltage supply, generating an electrostatic field between said source of ions and said laminated element; d. a multi-element assembly for receiving and transmitting gas and focused ions, the said multi-element assembly being supplied with both RF and DC electric potentials by connection to a high voltage supply so that said multi-element assembly may act as a band pass filter for said ions and generating an electrostatic field between backside of said entrance lens and multi-element assembly; e. an ion detector for detecting ions exiting said multi-element assembly, whereby to provide detection of ions separated at atmospheric pressure through said mass filter.