A computer model of comprehensive modeling of the laser time-of-flight analyzer

Abstract

This article offers a new approach to computer modeling of time-of-flight analyzers of mass spectrometers. The main feature of the model is comprehensive tracking of the processes from the laser plasma generation until the final stage, on which the isotopic or elemental composition is determined for the analyzed solid sample. Apart from usual models based on SIMION-8 3D or similar software, this article proposes fundamentally new modeling stages. These stages are (1) generation and spread of laser plasma, (2) formation of the ion packages, (3) ion detection, and (4) formation and processing of the analytical signals. In order to provide consistent modeling of all the stages, special software units were developed. Program control of the analyzer ion optics (electrodes voltages) allows scan of mass spectra by ion energy. Additional complex of the programs provides simulation of mass spectra digitization, summation of digitized mass spectra for a wide range of variable parameters, and consideration of the discriminatory effects. According to the data, the software calculates ion-optical characteristics of the analyzer and the analytical parameters of measurement results.

Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry at 55: Quo Vadis?

“…Later, the group of A. Sysoev was involved in the development of comprehensive computer models for the development of mass-analyzers for mass spectrometers with laser ion sources (Karpov & Sysoev, 2017) and came up with an innovative idea to use wedge-shaped ion mirrors (Karpov et al, 2015) without electrostatic ion acceleration before mass analysis (Sysoev et al, 2018). This approach should allow to construct more compact instrument with minimal requirement to power supplies and provide temporal focusing of ions in a wide energy range in the process of standard-less analysis of solid samples at high densities of laser irradiation power.…”

Improved detection sensitivity of elements in solids via laser postionization in laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…To achieve the higher mass resolution, a high‐cost Mattauch‐Herzog double focusing mass spectrometer or Fourier transform mass spectrometer should be employed . Nowadays, many state‐of‐the‐art TOFMS apparatuses have been designed with the help of ion trajectory simulation software (eg, SIMION), which also well cope with the KED issues . Additionally, an up‐to‐date distance‐of‐flight mass spectrometer was also proposed for conquering the initial KED of ions to some extent .…”

“…39,40 Nowadays, many state-of-the-art TOFMS apparatuses have been designed with the help of ion trajectory simulation software (eg, SIMION), which also well cope with the KED issues. [41][42][43][44] Additionally, an up-to-date distance-of-flight mass spectrometer was also proposed for conquering the initial KED of ions to some extent. [45][46][47][48] Last but not the least, a novel ion funnel interface was installed for conventional ICP-MS with trouble-shooting of high KED of ions and low transmission efficiency.…”