Mass analysis apparatuses and methods

• Main Authors: Giles, Alina, Giles, Roger
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.08.2024
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS; ELECTRICITY

A device (1) for manipulating charged particles, the device comprising a series of electrodes (2, 3) disposed so as to form a channel for transportation of the charged particles. A power supply unit (5) provides a first supply voltage (7) which changes according to a waveform having a period (T), to axially segmented bunching electrodes (3) to create an electric field within the channel. The potential of the electric field defines a potential well which is translated along the length of the channel such that the potential well is translated a distance substantially equal to its length in an interval of time substantially equal to the period (T). The waveform is substantially continuously smooth throughout its period (T); and, substantially constant in value throughout a finite duration of time (TL<T) within the period (T), corresponding to a minimum of the waveform. A power supply unit (6) provides a second supply voltage (8) to radial confinement electrodes (2) to create a radially confining electric field within the channel configured to radially confine charged particles within the channel.