Compact Mass Spectrometer

摘要

A miniature mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an atmospheric pressure ionisation source, a first vacuum chamber having an atmospheric pressure sampling orifice or capillary, a second vacuum chamber located downstream of the first vacuum chamber and a third vacuum chamber located downstream of the second vacuum chamber. A first vacuum pump is arranged and adapted to pump the first vacuum chamber, wherein the first vacuum pump is arranged and adapted to maintain the first vacuum chamber at a pressure <10 mbar. A first RF ion guide is located within the first vacuum chamber and an ion detector is located in the third vacuum chamber. The ion path length from the atmospheric pressure sampling orifice or capillary to an ion detecting surface of the ion detector is ≦400 mm. The mass spectrometer further comprises a tandem quadrupole mass analyser, a 3D ion trap mass analyser, a 2D or linear ion trap mass analyser, a Time of Flight mass analyser, a quadrupole-Time of Flight mass analyser or an electrostatic mass analyser arranged in the third vacuum chamber. A split flow turbomolecular vacuum pump comprising an intermediate or interstage port is connected to the second vacuum chamber and a high vacuum (“HV”) port is connected to the third vacuum chamber. The first vacuum pump is also arranged and adapted to act as a backing vacuum pump to the split flow turbomolecular vacuum pump and the first vacuum pump has a maximum pumping speed ≦10 m3/hr (2.78 L/s).

主权项

1. A miniature mass spectrometer comprising:
an atmospheric pressure ionisation source; a first vacuum chamber having an atmospheric pressure sampling orifice or capillary, a second vacuum chamber located downstream of said first vacuum chamber and a third vacuum chamber located downstream of said second vacuum chamber; a first vacuum pump arranged and adapted to pump said first vacuum chamber, wherein said first vacuum pump is arranged and adapted to maintain said first vacuum chamber at a pressure <10 mbar; a first RF ion guide located within said first vacuum chamber; an ion detector located in said third vacuum chamber; wherein the ion path length from said atmospheric pressure sampling orifice or capillary to an ion detecting surface of said ion detector is ≦400 mm; wherein said mass spectrometer further comprises: a tandem quadrupole mass analyser, a 3D ion trap mass analyser, a 2D or linear ion trap mass analyser, a Time of Flight mass analyser, a quadrupole-Time of Flight mass analyser or an electrostatic mass analyser arranged in said third vacuum chamber; and a split flow turbomolecular vacuum pump comprising an intermediate or interstage port connected to said second vacuum chamber and a high vacuum (“HV”) port connected to said third vacuum chamber; wherein said first vacuum pump is also arranged and adapted to act as a backing vacuum pump to said split flow turbomolecular vacuum pump; and wherein said first vacuum pump has a maximum pumping speed ≦10 m3/hr (2.78 L/s).