Mini Mass Spectrometer Integrated with a Miniature Ion Funnel

Previously, a continuous atmospheric pressure interfaced miniature mass spectrometer was developed in our lab. The continuous atmospheric pressure interface improves system robustness, stability, and scan speed, but it also results in limited ion transfer efficiency and reduced mass resolution. To solve these problems, a miniature ion funnel was designed and integrated into the miniature mass spectrometer for the first time. Besides ion transfer efficiency, dimension and power consumption of the ion funnel also need to be considered throughout the design process. After a systematic optimization, the designed miniature ion funnel could increase ion transfer efficiency by more than 10 times, while lowering the background pressure of ion trap by ∼2 times. As a result, sensitivity and mass resolution of the second generation miniature mass spectrometer were improved by 20 times and ∼2 times, respectively, while maintaining its high scan speed and stability. A sensitive and robust mini-MS, capable of coupling with ambient ionization sources would meet the needs of many on-site chemical analysis applications, such as in food, drug, and agricultural administrations, forensic science, homeland security, and etc.