The development of miniature ion trap mass spectrometers has been an
active area, fueled by the promising analytical capabilities and the
convenience of fast in situ analysis. The objective is to miniaturize
mass spectrometers in weight, size, and power consumption while
retaining the analytical capabilities of mass spectrometry at the same
time. The book focuses on the instrumentation of miniature ion trap mass
spectrometers, including ionization, ion transfer, mass analyzer, ion
detection and related vacuum and electronic techniques. Two miniature
mass spectrometers, a 10 kg Mini 10 with electron impact ionization
source, developed in 2005 and a 5 kg Mini 11 with multiple ionization
sources, developed in 2008, are introduced. The technical details of key
components are discussed. Special focus is given to a glow discharge
electron impact ionization source, which is an ideal substitute for the
filament electron source used in the electron impact ionization, and a
discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface, which enables the
implementation of atmospheric pressure ionization sources in miniature
ion trap mas spectrometers with limited pumping capabilities.