Using curved MCPs in reflectron time of flight mass spectrometers provide better mass resolution. Dr.T.Bergmann invented a detector for time-of-flight mass-spectrometer with low timing errors and simultaneously large aperture. His invention was patented US Patent 5,637,869 and realized in ALBATROS ESI-TOF system using curved microchannel plates developed and produced by Del Mar Ventures. ALBATROS ESI-TOF system has the world record mass-resolution!

Presented below is a brief description of Bergmann Electrospray Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (courtesy of Dr. Bergmann).

The main components of the ALBATROS Esi-ToF are shown below. Ions are created at atmospheric pressure by an electrospray source (e.g. ion-spray, nano-spray, micro-spray, E-spray, etc.) or any other source of positive or negative ions.

After passing highly efficient differential pumping stages symbolized by the skimmer and the apertures, the ions are injected orthogonally into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

In normal mode of operation the ion gate is open, and there is no gas in the collision cell. Then the ions pass unhindered into the reflector and detector of the mass analyzer.

To perform MS/MS experiments, there is a collision cell and an ion gate at the Wiley-McLaren focus. Here a packet of ions is selected, which is broken up in the collision gas. The reflector then analyses the fragments.

Microchannel plates are widely used in night vision devices (NVDs). Curved microchannel plates increase the field of view of NVDs while minimizing optical aberrations. Enhancement of peripheral vision capabilities results in easier adaptation of the human eye to NVDs.

In order to get additional information about opportunity to use curved microchannel plates for your specific task consult our application engineer at mcp@sciner.com