Ion isolation in a continuous zero angle reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A continuous zero angle reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of tandem mass spectrometry measurements with high resolution and high sen sitivity has been developed. The instrument design features two pulsed-ion mirrors in a coaxial geometry. Ions can bet reflected back and forth with t he mirrors, which increases the net flight length and permits kinetic energ y focusing for enhanced resolution. The instrument also contains an electro static particle guide which increases ion transmission efficiency and can b e used in a bipolar pulsed mode to isolate ions of interest for structural study.