Apparatus and Methods for Controlling Miniaturized Arrays of Ion Traps

摘要

Apparatus and methods for controlling miniaturized arrays of ion traps, including cylindrical ion traps, rectilinear ion traps, and linear ion traps. Improved methods for applying supplemental AC signals to individual ion traps in an ion trap array. Methods of organizing ion trap arrays and operating the arrays in a manner to improve sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy. Techniques for performing simultaneous detection of multiple compounds from ion trap arrays. Optimization of ion trap performance by dynamic optimization or adjustment of RF trapping frequency and voltage amplitude.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising an array of ion trapping devices in which;
a. said ion trapping devices utilize RF electric fields to trap ions within a defined volume; b. an electrical switching system is used to connect said ion trapping devices to separate sets of control electronics; c. said electrical switching system is capable of connecting a variable number of said ion trapping devices to a variable number of said control electronics, permitting said ion trapping devices to be organized into channels, with each channel comprising a plurality of said ion trapping devices electrically connected in parallel; and d. each of said channels is controlled through said control electronics by changing one or more parameters, which include the RF drive amplitude, the RF drive frequency, the DC offset of the RF drive signal, and the amplitude and frequency of the AC signal applied to one or more electrodes of said ion trapping devices.