Ion-optical design of a high-performance multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer and isobar separator

• Published in: International journal of mass spectrometry 2015-05, Vol.381-382, p.1-9
• Main Authors: Yavor, Mikhail I., Plaß, Wolfgang R., Dickel, Timo, Geissel, Hans, Scheidenberger, Christoph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exotic nuclei; Ion mirror; Ion-optical design; Isobar separator; Multiple-reflection; Time-of-flight mass spectrometer
• ISSN: 1387-3806; 1873-2798
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2015.01.002

[Display omitted] •The ion-optical design of a multiple reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer and isobar separator for the research with exotic nuclei is presented.•A simple, yet high-performance multiple-reflection time-of-flight analyzer with axially symmetric four-electrode gridless ion mirrors has been designed.•A novel post-analyzer reflector makes the settings independent of the number of turns and allows for easy tuning.•A novel energy bunching and deceleration system enables highly efficient injection of time-separated ions into an accumulation trap.•High performance in accordance with the design criteria is achieved. The ion-optical design of a multiple reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer and isobar separator (MR-TOF-MS) is presented. The MR-TOF-MS has been developed for the research with exotic nuclides at accelerator facilities and has been designed to provide a mass resolving power (FWHM) exceeding 300,000 and a mass accuracy of down to 10−7. High-performance axially symmetric four-electrode gridless ion mirrors have been developed and optimized for the device. In addition, the MR-TOF-MS comprises several further novel ion-optical elements such as an isochronous post-analyzer reflector and an energy bunching and deceleration system for ion injection into an accumulation trap. The device has been built and commissioned and shows superb performance characteristics in accordance with the design criteria.