Ion source

Details Ion source Ion source

1998-08-19

2001-02-06

Anderson, Bruce C. (Department: 2881)

Radiant energy

Ionic separation or analysis

With sample supply means

C250S42300F

Reexamination Certificate

active

06184522

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an ion source for creating ions outside a vacuum chamber and for moving the ions into a vacuum chamber.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various kinds of ion sources have been used in the past to produce ions for mass spectrometers. Typically the ions are produced at or near atmospheric pressure and are then directed into a vacuum chamber which houses the mass spectrometer. Typical ion sources are the well-known electrospray ion source, discussed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,701 to Smith et al., and the ion source referred to as ion spray, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,624 to Henion et al. However a difficulty with conventional ion sources is that typically, 2×10
10
molecules of gas travel into the vacuum chamber with each ion admitted into the vacuum chamber. Costly and bulky pumps are required to remove the gas.
Attempts have been made in the past to attach the ions, after they have been created, to a surface and then to move the surface into the vacuum chamber. This would have various effects, including reducing the gas load entering the vacuum chamber. These attempts, which have used thin films and wires as carriers, have been batch type processes and have not been successful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for introducing ions into a vacuum chamber using a carrier surface. As will be explained, the invention in one aspect involves spraying the ions onto the insulated surface of a spinning sharp-edged disk. The edge of the disk protrudes through a slot into the vacuum chamber, and the ions are removed at that location, for mass analysis.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4178507 (1979-12-01), Brunnee et al.
patent: 4740298 (1988-04-01), Andresen et al.
patent: 4988879 (1991-01-01), Zare et al.
patent: 5288644 (1994-02-01), Beavis et al.
patent: 5567935 (1996-10-01), Fajardo et al.

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