Effect of an Axial Magnetic Field on the Performance of a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

We consider the case of a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) in which a static magnetic field is applied axially in the z-direction along the length of the mass filter. The theoretical approach assumed in the model is that the QMS contains hyperbolic rods as electrodes and that the magnetic field acts over the full length of the mass filter assembly. Initial experimental results with argon and helium for a low-resolution instrument confirm the predicted theoretical trends. The analysis also predicts for which values of operating parameters an enhancement of the instrument resolution is achieved when an axial magnetic field is applied. The model predicts instrument resolution R >3000 for a QMS with a 200 mm long mass filter via application of an axial magnetic field.

Graphical AbstractA static magnetic field applied along the axis of a conventional quadrupole mass spectrometer is shown to be beneficial in improving instrument resolution.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (74 K)Download as PowerPoint slide