High-order kinetic energy focusing in an end cap reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

A reflectron is described which provides high-order kinetic energy focusing using a simple geometry that does not require a set of resistively coupled lens elements. The reflectron is implemented in an approximately 2.0 in (overall length) mass analyzer as part of an effort to provide highly miniaturized mass spectrometers that may be utilized as field-portable instruments for environmental analysis, biological agent detection, or diagnostics.