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Mini Mass Spectrometer Integrated with a Miniature Ion Funnel.
Yanbing Zhai1, Xiaohua Zhang2, Hualei Xu1
1State Key Laboratory Explosion Science and Technology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology , Beijing 100081, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|March 3, 2017
Summary
A new miniature ion funnel significantly enhances miniature mass spectrometer performance. This innovation boosts ion transfer efficiency, improving sensitivity and mass resolution for on-site chemical analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Instrument Development
Background:
- A continuous atmospheric pressure interface was previously developed for a miniature mass spectrometer.
- This interface improved robustness, stability, and scan speed but limited ion transfer efficiency and mass resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations of the previous design.
- To enhance ion transfer efficiency and mass resolution in a miniature mass spectrometer.
Main Methods:
- A miniature ion funnel was designed and integrated into the miniature mass spectrometer.
- Systematic optimization of the ion funnel considered ion transfer efficiency, dimensions, and power consumption.
Main Results:
- The miniature ion funnel increased ion transfer efficiency by over 10 times.
- Background pressure in the ion trap was reduced by approximately 2 times.
- Sensitivity improved 20-fold and mass resolution improved 2-fold.
- High scan speed and stability were maintained.
Conclusions:
- The integration of a miniature ion funnel significantly improves miniature mass spectrometer performance.
- The enhanced mini-MS offers improved sensitivity and resolution for on-site chemical analysis.
- This technology is suitable for applications in food, drug, agriculture, forensics, and homeland security.
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