High-luminosity ion source for mass spectrometers

Sources with a high ion collection coefficient, up to 50--60%, are described. The characteristics of the sources are reported for quadrupole and static mass spectrometers. With these sources, a sensitivity of 2.4 x 10/sup -3/ A/torr can be achieved for a quadrupole mass spectrometer and 4 x 10/sup -5/ A/torr for a static mass spectrometer.