Mass Spectrometry on a Chip - or Between Two

摘要

Radiofrequency ion trap mass analyzers made using two lithographically-patterned plates show promise for portable mass spectrometry. Electric fields between the plates can be shaped to recreate the field of any conventional trap geometry, but with simplified alignment and improved accuracy, even at a smaller scale. Mass spectrometry-on-a-chip has lagged somewhat behind development of other chip-based analytical techniques, but the motivation and need for miniaturized MS instruments remains compelling. Several research groups over many years have demonstrated progress toward a smaller mass analyzer that can operate successfully with lower power and reduced vacuum requirements [1-5].