Investigation by simulation of the RF carpets for the transport of ions at atmospheric pressures

Abstract

Ion funnels, quadrupole, and multipole are well-known ion optic methods for transportation of ions. However, the methods are suitable for pressures below 30–40 Torr. The main loss of ions occurs in an inlet of mass spectrometer at atmospheric pressure. This work offers a focusing system, which employs a fine-structure electrode ion carpet. The focusing efficiency of fine-structure electrode was investigated by computer simulation methods and it was compared with theoretical estimation. The methods demonstrated good agreement with each other that promises a reliability of results. The authors found an optimal fine-structure electrode ion carpet configuration (electrodes width of 10 µm), which demonstrates suitable focusing efficiency and can be implemented in practice.