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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer using a flexible circuitboard reflector
Cornish1, Ecelberger, Brinckerhoff
1Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723, USA.
Abstract:
An innovative design for a miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been developed employing several newly designed components. These include: (1) a gridless, focusing ion source allowing for the use of very high extraction energies in a maintenance-free design, (2) a new method of construction for an ion reflector using rolled flexible circuitboard material, and (3) an improved center-hole microchannel plate detector assembly that significantly reduces the noise (or 'ringing') inherent in the coaxial design. A prototype time-of-flight instrument was constructed and used to evaluate the performance of these components. Compared to previous designs, results indicate that background noise for data acquired on this instrument is substantially reduced, resolution is improved, and the potential for mass producing this instrument in an inexpensive and rugged package for field-portable and remote installations is significantly enhanced. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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