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Single Ion Detection For Mass Spectrometry Using Low Capacitance Mosfets, Matthew Hamblin, Aaron Hawkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Mass spectrometry is an important tool for analytical chemistry that allows the chemical composition of a compound to be determined. In order to do so, it separates the compound into ions, and then detects the number of ions of different masses.

The charge on a single ion is very small, making it difficult to measure. In order to overcome this, current mass spectrometers must use methods such as electron multipliers to create a cascading effect of electrons until a measurable charge is reached or cryodetectors that measure the thermal change of an ion hit at low temperatures.¹ Using methods …