Prediction of the effects of imperfect construction of a QMS filter

• Published in: Journal of mass spectrometry. 2008-05, Vol.43 (5), p.609-616
• Main Authors: Taylor, Stephen, Gibson, John R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Chemistry; construction; effects; Exact sciences and technology; imperfect; prediction; QMS filter; Spectrometric and optical methods
• ISSN: 1076-5174; 1096-9888
• DOI: 10.1002/jms.1356

Modelling techniques have previously predicted the observed behaviour of perfectly manufactured QMS mass filters. These methods are extended to examination of the behaviour of imperfect QMS filters; this examination considers the behaviour of QMS filters with one rod displaced radially inward as this is a simple manufacturing defect that arises when a rod does not fit correctly into the mounting.The results demonstrate the well known, but poorly documented property, that exchanging the connections of a poorly performing QMS device sometimes improves performance. This is shown to arise because only a displacement of a y-rod produces a large effect. The results also show that displacement of a y-rod may produce a spurious additional peak known as a precursor. More detailed investigation suggests that precursors are not separate peaks but are formed because a section of the main peak is removed causing an apparent double peak.Finally results confirm that adjustment of the voltage applied to a displaced rod can be used to significantly improve the QMS behaviour. A small change by a fraction α in the position of a single rod may be compensated by a change of 2 x α in the voltage applied to that rod. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.