The Three Dimensional Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer.

A new type of mass analyzer has been studied with a view to increasing discrimination and sensitivity capabilities. The three dimensional quadrupole mass spectrometer may be used as a universal trace gas analyzer or in the ion gauge mode as an ultra-high vacuum gauge. The instrument is capable of storing a specific mass-to-charge ratio or a range of such ratios for a sufficient time accumulating the species until they become detectable. The instrument was built and tested for practicality of operation, reliability and sensitivity. Results indicated that there are several areas of uncertainty in the operation of the instrument. The most significant of these were the ionization and detection processes. Otherwise, the instrument demonstrated its most useful capability of trapping and accumulating a species. This is seen as a significant step in the process of attaining higher degrees of sensitivity in trace gas analyzers. Author