A multichannel ion mass spectrometer in laser‐produced plasma studies

The theory and operation of a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer employing a multichannel electrostatic analyzer are discussed with emphasis placed on laser‐produced plasma studies. It is shown that the finite length of the analyzer leads to enhanced mass resolution. A method of i n s i t u calibration of the analyzer channels is described, and measurements of the resolution and beam divergence are presented. Use of the mass spectrometer to calibrate ion‐collecting probes for mass and kinetic energy measurements is also considered.