Two portable aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometers
(ATOFMS) of identical design are described. These
instruments are powerful new tools for providing temporal
and spatial information on the origin, reactivity, and
fate
of atmospheric aerosols. Each is capable of analyzing
the
size and composition of individual particles from a polydisperse aerosol in real-time. Particles are
introduced
into the instrument through a particle beam interface,
sized by measuring the delay time between two scattering
lasers, and compositionally analyzed using a dual-polarity
laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer. These are the first dual-ion TOFMS instruments
to
utilize a dual reflectron design. The instruments
measure
72 in. long × 28 in. wide × 60 in. high and weigh
∼500
lb. Pneumatic tires allow them to be transported
through
standard doorways, elevators, and handicap ramps, granting access to virtually any location. Furthermore,
because
of rugged construction they will be able to operate during
transport by automobile, boat, or aircraft.
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