A reflectron (also known as an ion mirror) is an electrostatic device used in the analyzer section of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). It creates a retarding electric field that reverses the direction of ions. Reflectrons are essential components in TOF-MS systems, used to correct for kinetic energy spread and significantly improve mass resolution and sensitivity.
The principle of the reflectron
Sample molecules are ionized in the source and accelerated into the flight tube by the potential difference applied to the grid electrodes. The entrance of the reflectron is at ground potential, while a series of internal electrodes creates a retarding electric field with increasing potential. This field acts as an "ion mirror," decelerating the ions and reversing their trajectory toward the detector.
The high voltage for the reflectron is supplied by a reversible high-voltage power supply, which allows its polarity to be switched for the detection of either positive or negative ions. In addition, the potential on each of the reflectron's electrodes is typically generated using a resistive voltage divider (high-voltage divider). TOF-MS detects ions using a microchannel plate (MCP).
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Recommended products
Matsusada Precision offers a range of reversible (bipolar) high-voltage modules ideal for reflectron applications.
