Time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometers were known since 1940-s, but for several decades their utility was severely constrained by low resolving power (R). That had changed in 1990-s upon the introduction of orthogonal ion injection and reflectron mirror schemes, which have greatly raised the profile of ToF technology in mass spectrometry. Multi-reflectron designs with longer flight paths allow yet higher R, with up to 100,000 achieved by the Citius platform (LECO). This performance, exceptional for a ToF, is normally associated with Fourier-transform MS instruments such as Orbitrap. However, Citius employed a skimmer/orifice interface in front and thus was less sensitive than the latest ToFs with ion funnel interfaces. We have now converted this system to a high-pressure ion funnel interface with high-throughput slit-shaped capillary inlet for maximum ion capture and transmission. This effort will result in an ultimate ToF platform providing both unprecedented MS resolution and industry-leading sensitivity.

Multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer with ion funnel front end for ultimate sensitivity and resolving power

248th National Meeting (2014)

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