Rectilinear ion trap and mass analyzer system and method

Abstract

A new shape ion trap and its use as a mass spectrometer are described. Ion traps can be combined linearly and in parallel to form systems for mass storage, analysis, fragmentation, partitioning, and the like. Ion traps have a simple rectilinear geometry and high trapping capacity. It is operable to provide mass analysis both in a mass selective stable mode and in a mass selective unstable mode. Arrays of multiple ion traps allow the application of a combination of multiple gas phase processes to trapped ions to achieve high sensitivity, high selectivity, and / or higher throughput in ion analysis.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 439,350 filed January 10,2003. technical field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an ion trap and an ion trap mass analyzer, in particular to a linear ion trap and a mass analyzer using the linear ion trap. Background technique

[0003] A three-dimensional ion trap with a quadrupole field in both r and z (in a polar coordinate system) exerts a linear force on the ions and can be used as an ion trap for ions with a wider or narrower range of mass / charge ratios. The shape of the field is usually determined by a set of three electrodes consisting of a ring electrode and two hyperbolic end cap electrodes. Such a device is called a Paul or quadrupole ion trap. In a simpler alternative, cylindrical ion traps (CITs), the inner surface of the ring is cylindrical and the end caps are flat.

[0004] Paul traps and cylindrical ion traps are known to have some disadvantages. They include...

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