Mass spectrometer electron source mounted on hinged or sliding fixture moving between parked position and operating position

摘要

A mass spectrometer has an assembly which generates electrons in a magnetic field. The assembly has an electrically-powered electron emitter secured by a fixture. The fixture is preferably movable. The electron source is a filament conducting electricity, or an indirectly heated electron source. The movable fixture is redirected by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer requiring no further supplementary magnetic field. The magnetic field is generated either by a permanent magnet, or by a normal-conducting or superconducting electro-magnet. Return of the electron source from the operating position to the parked position is effected either by gravity or a return-spring, or by reversed operating current. The electron source is fixed to a swivel or sliding fixture. An Independent claim states that the Lorentz force which is generated in the magnetic field by the electrical current, redirects the electron source between an operating position and a parked position.