Flight time distribution and collection efficiency studies for time-of-flight mass spectrometer

Abstract

Mass resolution and collection efficiency properties of time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers have been studied by means of numerical calculations. Some comparisons with first experimental test measurements are also made. A useful measure of mass-resolving power has been introduced. The calculations show that good mass resolution is achieved with short length of source region and long drift tube. The main reason for calculated peak broadening is the initial kinetic energy of the ions. The broadening can be minimized with high extraction fields. High collection efficiency can be achieved by using high extracting fields and short drift tubes with large diameter detectors.