An array of identical linear
quadrupole ion traps, each trap comprising the following: at least four main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35) extending in a Z-direction to form a quadrupolar field at least in the midline region aligned along the Z-axis, wherein the Z-axis is either straight or curved with a
radius that is substantially larger than the distance between the said main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35); an
ion ejection slot (36) in at least one of the main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35); wherein the slot (36) is oriented in the Z direction; a pair of electrostatic end plugs (37, 38) arranged at the Z-edges of the
quadrupole ion trap; wherein the pair of end plugs (37, 38) are a segment of the main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35) or ring electrodes; an RF generator that provides RF signals with opposite phases, to form a quadrupolar
RF field at least in the midline region of the main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35); a variable DC supply for supplying DC signals to at least two rods in order to form a quadrupolar
DC field with a weaker dipolar
DC field at least in the midline region of main electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35); a DC, RF or AC supply connected to the aforementioned pair of end plugs (37, 38) to provide axial Z-capture; a
gas supply or pumping means for providing a
gas pressure in the range of 1 to 100 mTorr [0.133 to 13.332 Pascal], wherein the variable DC supply has means for ramping up the said quadrupolar potential, whereby a sequential ion ejection via the slot (36) occurs in the inverse relationship to the ion m / z, wherein the array further comprises a wide-
diameter RF channel (25) with a DC gradient for collecting, transferring and spatially confining ions behind the slots (36) of the
quadrupole ion traps; wherein the dimension of said RF channel (25) is defined by the trap sizes of the quadrupole ion traps and the topology of the array and the
gas pressure in the quadrupole ion traps, and wherein the individual quadrupole ion traps are oriented such that an
ion emission surface is formed which is either planar or at least partially cylindrical or partially spherical for more efficient collection and transfer of ions in the
wide diameter RF channel (25).