Ion Source And Sample Introduction Method And Apparatus Using Two Stage Ionization For Producing Sample Gas Ions

Abstract

A high pressure interface device for introducing sample ions to a drift tube, an ion detection means or a mass mobility measurement means, having an ion source ionization region containing an isolated ionization source, a sample introduction port, and a reaction region in which specific sample ion species are formed by reaction of sample molecules with selected ion source ions formed by radioactive bombardment of a sample gas by the ion source ions results in an ionized gaseous sample. When coupled to a ion or mass detection or measurement means, this invention makes possible detection sensitivities of trace sample species in the subparts-per-trillion range, and under proper condition does not need calibration.