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Miniature ion trap arrays Because of their simpler geometry, cylindrical ion traps (CITs) are easier to manufacture than their quadrupole cousins. In addition, miniature CITs operate with reduced voltage levels and smaller, cheaper power sources, making them ideal candidates for portable MS systems. Unfortunately, with internal volumes on the order of cubic millimeters, CITs generally suffer from lower ion capacities than most commercial quadrupole ion traps. Peter T. A. Reilly of Oak Ridge National Laboratory described a two-
dimensional array of CITs, which provides a solution to the ion storage capacity problem. Reilly and co-workers created a seven-element CIT configuration coupled to an array of diamondcoated silicon whisker field emission sources. The parallel trap arrangement significantly augmented the total ion count, while maintaining linewidths of
