Design and testing of a portable magnetic mass spectrometer

A small-size mass spectrometer for fast, automated analysis of samples with a complex composition is described. Procedures for selecting ion-optics parameters for portable, magnetic (double-focus) mass spectrometers are suggested. These procedures enable achievement of optimal instrument dimensions, weight, and geometry for a given mass range and resolution. The configuration of the mass spectrometer is described briefly. The resolution of the device is 150 at 5%–10% of peak height, the mass range is 12(2)–250 amu, the minimum detectable mass flow is 10−13–10−14 g/s, the overall dimensions are 17×37×57 cm, the weight is 20 kg, and the power consumption is 30 W. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 1: 331–342, 1997