Periodic Electrodynamic Focusing Lens for Nanoparticles and Ions < 10 nm

Background

Aerodynamic lenses are now widely used as a method to generate a particle beam, particularly for small nanoparticles. Aerosol mass spectrometers are commercially available and their integrated aerodynamic lens-nozzle designs has been characterized. [See, for example, Aerosol Science and Technology, 36, 617-631, (2002).] However, the technique has the serious limitation that it is limited to particles > 10 nm.

Technology Description

Researchers at UC San Diego have invented a lens design addressing this limitation. The present invention utilizes a complex electrodynamic lens system and method of operation that allows the focusing of nanoparticles, such as aerosols, and ions < 10 nm in size.

State Of Development

This new capability for particle-beam collimation and focusing is in the early development stage, but is available for licensing.

Intellectual Property Info

Patents pending