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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
A Hadamard transform electron ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer
Jeffrey W Hudgens1, Denis E Bergeron
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Physical and Chemical Properties Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8380, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8380, USA. hudgens@nist.gov
This study introduces the first Hadamard transform time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HT-TOFMS) with an electron ionization source. This novel instrument offers enhanced flexibility and performance for molecular analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) is a powerful analytical technique.
- Conventional TOFMS designs have limitations in resolution and flexibility.
- Hadamard transform techniques offer potential for improved spectral acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize the first Hadamard transform time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HT-TOFMS) incorporating an electron ionization source.
- To demonstrate the instrument's capability in both standard and reflectron geometries.
- To showcase the flexibility and performance enhancements offered by this new design.
Main Methods:
- Modification of an existing TOF instrument with commercially available components.
- Integration of an electron ionization source with Hadamard mask modulation within the ion source.
- Operation in conventional TOF mode (12.5 kHz) and HT-TOF mode (20-40 MHz) using various circulant simplex codes.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of HT-TOFMS with an electron ionization source.
- Demonstration of flexible operation using different Hadamard codes for optimized resolution and mass range.
- Acquisition of HT-TOF mass spectra matching conventional reference spectra in both standard and reflectron modes.
Conclusions:
- The developed HT-TOFMS provides a novel and flexible approach to mass spectrometry.
- The instrument's design allows for improved performance and adaptability for various analytical challenges.
- This work paves the way for advanced applications of Hadamard transform techniques in mass spectrometry.
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