Ion trapping
First Claim
1. A method of trapping ions in a target ion trap comprising:
- introducing ions into an ion trapping assembly comprising a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap;
allowing the ions to pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped; and
guiding the ions such that they pass into the target ion trap for a second time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to a method of trapping ions and to an ion trapping assembly. In particular, the present invention has application in gas-assisted trapping of ions in an ion trap prior to a mass analysis of the ions in a mass spectrometer. The invention provides a method of trapping ions in a target ion trap of an ion trapping assembly that comprises a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap, whereby ions are allowed to pass repeatedly through the volumes such that they also pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped. Potentials may be used to reflect the ions from respective ends of the ion trapping assembly. Optionally, a potential well and/or gas-assisted cooling may be used to cause the ions to settle in the target ion trap.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of trapping ions in a target ion trap comprising:
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introducing ions into an ion trapping assembly comprising a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap; allowing the ions to pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped; and guiding the ions such that they pass into the target ion trap for a second time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An ion trapping assembly comprising:
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a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, wherein at least one of the volumes are adapted to be filled with gas, and wherein the series of volumes include an axially elongated target ion trap having an entrance end positioned to receive ions from an ion source and an exit end axially opposed to the entrance end; electrodes arranged to carry potentials; and a controller configured to set potentials on the electrodes such that (i) the potential rises at either end of the target ion trap, thereby forming a potential well in the target ion trap, (ii) the one or more volumes adapted to be filled with gas positioned adjacent the exit end of the target ion trap are at a higher potential than the target ion trap, and (iii) potential barriers are formed at either end of the ion trapping assembly. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification