[hammer534]

In an undergraduate analytical chemistry lab we are attempting to build our own time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometer. We are relatively uninformed about the materials and assembly processes. Can anyone provide reference/information on how to construct this instrument and test its accuracy? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[MOTOBALL]

Undergrad. class (3hr per week x 26 weeks x 3-4 yrs) = c. 320 hrs at most. Say 350 hr.

"A typical TOF mass spectrometer is in essence, and on paper, quite simple," he said; you just need the following,

1) stainless steel flight tube, say 1m long,

2) high vacuum pumping system (turbos and rotary pumps) to give ca. 1 x 10-7 torr,

3) sophisticated electronics to measure very, very, very small differences in time-of-flight of ions of different mass,

4) detection system (multi-channel analyzer),

5) sample introduction and ionization source.

6) Software to control the system.

A typical commercial system will cost about $350,000 for a high resolution MS (about $1k/hr) with a scan range up to m/z 4000.  Of course they make a profit on this, but these are VERY complex instruments.

A simple, portable device, such as carried on board subs. or spacecraft or at airport security will be miniaturized, with narrow scan range (up to ca. m/z 100) and altogether simpler electronics.

Suggest you search patents on-line to find designs.

[JGK]

In an undergraduate analytical chemistry lab we are attempting to build our own time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometer. We are relatively uninformed about the materials and assembly processes. Can anyone provide reference/information on how to construct this instrument and test its accuracy? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Have you ever heard the expression "First walk, then run"?

This task is the equivalent of "first walk, then beat Usain Bolt by 5 seconds over 100m"