Abstract:
The method includes the steps of assembling one or more blanks (1) in supporting means (2, 3) so that the or each blank occupies at least the space to be occupied by elongate electrodes and, without disturbing the position of the blanks relative to said supporting means, removing material from all said blanks to generate said electrodes in position in said supporting means. Preferably the material is removed by an electrode-discharge machining (EDM) process, e.g. diesinking. The method avoids time-consuming alignment of preformed electrodes in said supporting means.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed comprising obtaining or acquiring chemical or other non- mass spectrometric data from one or more regions of a target (2) using a chemical sensor (20). The chemical or other non-mass spectrometric data may be used to determine one or more regions of interest of the target (2). An ambient ionisation ion source 1 may then be used to generate aerosol, smoke or vapour (5) from one or more regions of the target (2).
Abstract:
A method is disclosed comprising obtaining or acquiring image or other data from one or more regions of a target (2) using an imaging sensor (20). The image or other data may then be used to determine one or more regions of interest of the target (2). An ambient ionisation ion source (1) may then be used to generate aerosol, smoke or vapour (5) from one or more regions of the target (2).
Abstract:
A mass analyser comprises a pair of electrode arrays. Each array has a set of focusing electrodes which are supplied, in use, with voltage to create an electrostatic field in a space between the electrode arrays causing ions to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, ions passing between electrodes of the sets of focusing electrodes and being repeatedly focused at a centre plane, mid- way between the electrode arrays. At least one electrode of each set of focusing electrodes has an electrode surface closer to the centre plane than the electrode surfaces of other electrodes of the same set. The analyser may be an ion trap mass analyser or a multi-turn ToF mass analyser.
Abstract:
A method of constructing an ion guide is disclosed comprising providing an elongated spine member (4) and a plurality of plates (2). Each plate (2) comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving the spine member (4) and at least one electrode (3) for use in guiding ions. The apertures (5) of the plates (2) are arranged around the spine member (4) and the plates (2) are arranged along the spine member (4). The plates (2) are then locked in position on the spine member such that the plates (2) are fixed axially with respect to the spine member (4) and so that the electrodes 3 of the plates (2) are arranged so as to form an array of electrodes (1) for use in guiding ions.