Title :
System Design and Optimization of a Miniaturized Ion Mobility Spectrometer Using Finite-Element Analysis
Author :
Barth, Sebastian ; Baether, Wolfgang ; Zimmermann, Stefan
Author_Institution :
Res. Unit, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Luebeck
fDate :
4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a widely used method for detecting low ppb-level concentrations of hazardous compounds, such as chemical warfare agents, explosives, and pollutants in air. Simple instrumentation combined with high sensitivity and high selectivity are major advantages of this technique. We are currently developing a miniaturized low-cost IMS that can be used in various applications, where fast detection of chemical compounds at low ppb-levels is required and space is limited. A numerical model based on finite-element analysis has been developed for rapid system design and optimization with respect to physical and economic constraints. All significant physical effects on the ion transport in an IMS are considered within the simulation, such as diffusion, coulomb repulsion, electric fields and gas flows. This model is a powerful tool for developing, studying, and optimizing miscellaneous types of IMS.
Keywords :
finite element analysis; ion mobility; mass spectrometers; coulomb repulsion; electric fields; finite-element analysis; gas flows; hazardous compounds; low ppb-level concentrations; miniaturized ion mobility spectrometer optimization; miniaturized low-cost IMS; system design; Air pollution; Chemical compounds; Chemical hazards; Design optimization; Explosives; Finite element methods; Instruments; Numerical models; Spectroscopy; System analysis and design; Coulomb repulsion; finite-element analysis; ion mobility spectrometry (IMS); simulation; spectrometers;
Journal_Title :
Sensors Journal, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/JSEN.2009.2014411