Radio-Frequency Ion Guides with Periodical Electrodes and Pulse Voltages

We consider radio-frequency ion guides formed by electrodes, which are periodic sequences of circular apertures. With the help of pulse voltages arranged as trains of a special type, a relay-switched sequence of axial distributions of the pseudopotential can be organized along the axis of the system in the form of space waves with alternating maxima and minima, which convey charged particles along the conveying channel. The disadvantage of the proposed conveying technology is the obligatory presence of neutral gas in moderate amounts, which dampens the excess kinetic energy acquired by charged particles in the jump-like switching of the radio-frequency electric field. An advantage of the proposed conveying technology is the simplified form of radio-frequency voltages applied to the electrodes of the device and the flexible control of the guiding velocity in Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry interfaces, for example.