Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

The TOF spectrometer is a unique and custom instrument dedicated to electrospray propulsion research.  The device combines an electrostatic energy analyzer with a TOF mass-to-charge detector to provide full energy and mass spectral diagnostics of electrospray beams.  The beam line includes a retarding potential analyzer (RPA), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and faraday probe all mounted on a rotation stage, enabling different sensors to be utilized in quick succession without needing to halt emission.

This facility has a base pressure of 1×10-8 Torr and utilizes a 250 L/s turbomolecular pump backed by a 100 L/s dry scroll pump.