Introduction of imaging detection into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to improve the dynamic range in the isotope ratio measurement

Katayama, Atsushi ; Furukawa, Katsutoshi; Watanabe, Kazuo

An imaging ion detection system was introduced to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) in order to increase dynamic range in the isotope ratio measurements. The new detection system utilizes a position sensitive micro channel plate (MCP) with a phosphor plate and a CCD camera which records light spots on the MCP. Mass discriminated ion beams produced by laser resonance ionization were swept on the surface of MCP by a time-depended electric field located in front of the MCP. The resulting light spots were recorded as images by CCD camera. A mass spectrum was obtained from the images. The present method was applied to the isotope analysis of calcium. A dynamic range of more than 5 orders of magnitude was achieved.