Low Size, Weight, and Power, High Gain 2D Material-Based Detectors for Mass Spectrometers

This project will develop low power, high intrinsic amplification 2D material ion detectors shown in Phase I to work as low mass, low volume detectors for mass spectrometry from the feasibility stage to working examples. Guardionrsquo;s proposed solution is to eliminate the need of high voltage electron multipliers utilizing patented 2D material-based ion detectors that provide intrinsic charge to current amplification values ranging between 1E6-1E9 A/C, and only require an operating bias of 0.1V. It further distinguishes between positive and negative ions, and works from atmospheric pressure through ultra high vacuum. Unlike conventional methods of detection used in mass spectrometry, our sensors will exploit a low-bias intrinsic quantum gain mechanism in nanomaterials to amplify the signal from trace amounts of ions. This eliminates the need for external amplification, eliminates high voltage requirements, and significantly reduces power consumption. We have shown that replacing sensors in a commercial residual gas analyzer with these detectors can sense trace gasses. We propose to modify two existing mass filter systems, one residual gas analyzer and one ion trap mass spectrometer with our detector assembly and demonstrate comparable performance to state of the art detectors while using 10,000x less voltage. We will then demonstrate sensor response to mass range, sampling rate, charge state, and ion energy. Finally, we will generate a demonstration and report assessing the sensor performance, benefits, and limitations with suggestions on what types of mass spec and missions would be benefitted for sensor adoption. nbsp;