Today, the majority of mass spectrometers on the market rely on instruments with quadrupole mass filters that separate ions based on their m/z charges using a combination of radio frequency (RF) and direct (DC) voltage fields. To achieve these fields, one type of quadrupole analyzer uses a hyperbolic ring electrode sandwiched between two end cap electrodes to create a stable ion trap. Sequentially ejecting ions from the trap into the charge detector accomplishes mass analysis, and the RF field created by the hyperbolic ring electrode controls this process. We have simplified this process by developing a novel method mass analysis based on chemically produced hyperbolic fields of a quadrupole ion trap. The basis for this new method of analysis is achieved by replacing the hyperbolic ring electrode with a multi-potential ion guide (MPIG) electrode. The MPIG electrode created by coating the surface of an insulator with a semi-conductive polymer. In this manner, a simple chemically treated electrode can project the same potential energy field as the field generated by a more complex physical electrode. This would not only reduce costs of production of the electrodes, but also offers a simpler route to miniaturization of the quadrupole since it does not have the same limitations as machined electrodes.

Development of a semiconductor-based quadrupole mass analyzer

251st National Meeting (2016)

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