Mass Spectrometer Detector Using Optically Active Membrane

摘要

A detector suitable for mass spectroscopy uses a thin membrane that converts the kinetic energy of impinging molecules into corresponding photons, the latter detected with a suitable photosensor. The arrival of molecules at the membrane is detected by detection of the corresponding photons.

主权项

1. A detector for use in detecting impinging molecules comprising:
a membrane positionable to receive impinging molecules at a front face, the membrane adapted to convert a kinetic energy of at least one impinging molecule to at least one light photon emitted from the membrane; and an electronic photosensor positioned to detect light photons from membrane caused by at least one molecule impinging on the front face of the membrane to provide an electric signal corresponding to receipt of at least one molecule impinging on the front face of the membrane; wherein the light photons are generated substantially only by a radiative decay of electrons between quantized energy states; and wherein the membrane provides at least one quantum-well formed of a series of membrane layers and defining quantum states through which electrons may be promoted by the kinetic energy of the impinging molecule and through which electrons may decay to provide radiative relaxation emitting the photons.