Re-examination of radiofrequency mass spectrometers: Center Director's Discretionary Fund
Abstract
The three-stage, two-cycle, Bennett mass spectrometers in use in space and ground experiments today are of the same physical configuration as developed by Bennett in 1950. Sine-wave radiofrequency (RF) is also still used. The literature indicates that the electronics and physical manufacturing capabilities of 1950 technology may have limited the use of other improvements at that time. Therefore, a study, experimental and analytical, was undertaken to examine previously rejected RF approaches as well as new ones. The results of this study indicate there are other approaches which use fewer grids and square wave or a combination of square-wave and sine-wave RF. In regard to suppression of harmonics, none performed better than the three-stage, two-cycle, Bennett mass spectrometer. Use of square-wave RF in the Bennett approach can provide a slightly more compact configuration but no increase in throughput.
- Publication:
-
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Report
- Pub Date:
- January 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989msfc.reptR....C
- Keywords:
-
- Mass Spectrometers;
- Mass Spectroscopy;
- Radio Frequencies;
- Radio Spectroscopy;
- Technology Assessment;
- Harmonics;
- Sine Waves;
- Spectral Resolution;
- Square Waves;
- Instrumentation and Photography