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Enhanced simulation of an RF ion funnel including gas turbulence.

Journal of mass spectrometry : JMS·2015

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High transmission 3D printed flex-PCB-based ion funnel.

Eric Miguel Tridas¹, Christopher Allemang², Fabian Mast³

¹Mechanical Engineering Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.

Journal of Mass Spectrometry : JMS

|September 10, 2015

Summary

A new, cost-effective radio frequency (RF) ion funnel uses a flexible circuit board design. This novel method achieves performance comparable to traditional steel-plate ion funnels for mass spectrometry applications.

Keywords:

3D printing electrospray ion funnel jet disrupter printed circuit board

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Area of Science:

Physics
Electrical Engineering
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Radio frequency (RF) ion funnels are critical for focusing ion clouds under low vacuum conditions.
Conventional ion funnels utilize stainless steel plate ring electrodes with applied potentials.
Applications include mass spectrometry and deposition processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel fabrication method for RF ion funnels.
To develop a more cost-effective design compared to traditional methods.
To evaluate the performance of the new design against conventional ones.

Main Methods:

A flexible circuit board serves as both the signal distribution circuit and electrodes.
The flexible circuit board is integrated into a 3D printed scaffold to form the funnel shape.
Performance was characterized through direct comparison with a conventional steel-plate electrode design.

Main Results:

The novel flexible circuit board ion funnel demonstrates performance comparable to conventional designs.
The new fabrication method offers significantly lower manufacturing costs.
The design integrates electrode and circuit functions efficiently.

Conclusions:

The flexible circuit board-based RF ion funnel is a viable and economical alternative.
This innovation reduces fabrication costs without compromising performance.
The design is suitable for mass spectrometry and other low-vacuum ion focusing applications.