A multichannel ion mass spectrometer in laser-produced plasma studies

The theory and operation of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer employing a multichannel electrostatic analyzer are discussed with emphasis placed on laser-produced plasma studies. It is shown that the finite length of the analyzer leads to enhanced mass resolution. A method of in situ calibration of the analyzer channels is described, and measurements of the resolution and beam divergence are presented. Use of the mass spectrometer to calibrate ion-collecting probes for mass and kinetic energy measurements is also considered.