Grid structure for the analysis of ions especially in ion mobility spectrometers
Abstract
The invention relates to ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) and is characterized by a significant improvement in sensitivity.
Fig.1: Grid structure adapted according to the invention.
background
IMS are widely used systems for the rapid and sensitive detection of various substances. Drift time IMS measure the time it takes for ions to travel a certain distance in an electric field. To generate a defined field, the drift region is surrounded by a large number of drift rings, each of which is set to the electrical potential corresponding to its position. In order to subdivide individual areas within the drift tube, e.g. in front of the detector or at the ion shutter, grids are used to ensure a uniform potential across the crosssection of the tube. Common shapes have a strip grid structure or are built as hexagonal grids.
Innovation / Solution
According to the invention, a significant improvement in the sensitivity of an IMS is achieved with a small change in the grating grid structure. This results from the fact that the position of each individual grid element can be specifically adapted to the electric field prevailing at the corresponding radius. In this way, field inhomogeneities and, in particular, field penetrations into field-free areas can be compensated. For example, a considerably improved variant of the already extremely sensitive field-switching ionizerion shutter, which depends on a completely field-free ionization spaceregion, can be constructed in this way.Benefits
fields of application
Ion Mobility Spectrometry / Ion Mobility SpectrometerYou can close this window. You can find your search results in the previous window
