Ion mobility spectrometer

Abstract

An ion mobility spectrometer is described having an ion filter in the form of at least one ion channel having a plurality of electrodes. A time-varying electric potential applied to the conductive layers allows the filler to selectively admit ion species. The electric potential has a drive and a transverse component, and in preferred embodiments each of the electrodes is involved in generating a component of both the drive and transverse fields. The device may be used without a drift gas flow, Microfabrication techniques are described for producing microscale spectrometers, as are various uses of the spectrometer.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an ion mobility spectrometer, and more particularly, to a field asymmetric ion mobility (FAIM) spectrometer. Certain aspects of the invention relate to a microfabricated FAIM spectrometer. Aspects of the invention also relate to methods of performing ion mobility spectrometry, and elements for such spectrometers. Background technique [0002] Ion mobility spectrometry is a general technique for detecting the presence of molecular species in gas samples. This technique has particular application in the detection of explosives, drugs and chemical agents in samples, but it is not limited to these applications. Portable detectors are commonly used in security screening and the defense industry. However, conventional portable devices are still relatively large. [0003] Ion mobility spectrometry is based on the differential movement of different ion species through an electric field to the detector; and, if at all, by ap...

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Problems solved by technology

[0007] Although this arrangement offers the possibility of further miniaturization compared to traditional TOFIMS, the need to generate airflow requires the presence of pumps, baffles or the like whose use limits the lower limit of such devices. Dimensions of prior art

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