A minimum thickness gate valve with integrated ion optics for mass spectrometry

A minimum thickness gate valve design for mass spectrometry is described in detail. The ion optics required to transmit ions from the source to the ICR cell are integrated into the design to minimize fringe field effects on the ions as they travel through the gate valve. The total thickness of the complete gate valve assembly is 1.03 in. (26.2 mm) with a maximum fringe field distance of 0.065 in. (1.7 mm). The gate valve is able to maintain a vacuum of <10(-10) mbar at the ICR cell when the source is vented to atmosphere and the estimated ion transfer efficiency is >95%.