Miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer for a field-portable biodetection system

The mass spectrometer is one of the most powerful laboratory tools for analyzing a broad spectrum of chemical and biological materials, but its applicability to field detection problems has been limited given its large size, heavy weight, and prohibitive power requirements. This situation is rapidly changing, however, as the need for field-portable detection systems becomes more critical. This article reports on an effort to bring small time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer technology to bear on the chemical and biological detection problem. We will describe the development of the Pseudo-Tandem TOF Mass Spectrometer for field-portable biodetection. Incorporated into the analyzer's design is an ion reflector that uniquely records ions which are not detectable in conventional TOF instruments. We will also examine the operating principles of the mass analyzer, the miniaturization of the mass analyzer and other system components, and mass spectral biosignatures.