Time-of-flight mass spectrometer for diagnostics of continuous plasma flow

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) is crucial for analyzing plasma composition.
• Existing TOF-MS devices can be complex and costly, limiting their application in continuous plasma diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a simplified time-of-flight mass spectrometer for continuous plasma flow diagnostics.
• To evaluate the performance and applicability of the novel TOF-MS for analyzing specific materials.

Main Methods:

• A modified two-field acceleration approach based on Wiley and McLaren's method was employed.
• The spectrometer's construction and testing were performed using plasma flows of Gadolinium (Gd) and Cerium Dioxide (CeO2) generated by vacuum arc discharge.
• The instrument function was measured to evaluate mass resolution and interpret complex signals.

Main Results:

• The instrument function was successfully measured, yielding a mass resolution of approximately 20.
• A method for interpreting registered signals, particularly during mass peak intersections, was proposed.
• The spectrometer demonstrated effective performance in analyzing Gd and CeO2 plasma flows.

Conclusions:

• The developed time-of-flight mass spectrometer is a viable tool for continuous plasma flow diagnostics.
• Its simple construction, low acceleration voltages, and cost-effectiveness make it accessible for various applications.
• The instrument provides a practical approach for analyzing plasma composition with good mass resolution.