New Page 4

Annular Optics

Annular optics allow ions from a high field atmospheric source to be concentrated into an "annular ring" and transmitted to a downstream focusing region. Figure 1 illustrates the operation of these laminates to effectively control the electric field and flow conditions subjected to the ions along their path into the conductance opening. These optics allow complete separation of the source region from the focusing region.

Figure 1- Simulation of annular optical stack with countercurrent/concurrent flow to enhance focusing.

Figure 2- Microfabricated annular optics laminate for collecting ions at the front of a conductance opening.