Improving mass spectrometer sensitivity using a high-pressure electrodynamic ion funnel interface

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2006 Sep;17(9):1299-305. doi: 10.1016/j.jasms.2006.06.005. Epub 2006 Jul 12.

Abstract

We report on a new electrodynamic ion funnel that operates at a pressure of 30 torr with no loss of ion transmission. The enhanced performance compared with previous ion funnel designs optimized for pressures of <5 torr was achieved by reducing the ion funnel capacitance and increasing the RF drive frequency (1.7 MHz) and amplitude (100-170 V peak-to-peak). No degradation of ion transmission was observed for pressures from 2 to 30 torr. The ability to operate at higher pressure enabled a new tandem ion funnel mass spectrometer interface design that can accommodate a greater gas load (e.g., from an ESI source). When combined with a multicapillary inlet, the interface provided more efficient introduction of ions, resulting in a significant enhancement in mass spectrometer sensitivity and detection limits.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Pressure
  • Rheology / instrumentation*
  • Rheology / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / instrumentation*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods
  • Transducers*