Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool in molecular analysis and the study of molecular structure as well as in ionic physics and chemistry research. In mass spectrometers which spatially disperse the ions the traditional single slit ion detector results in a very low ion collection efficiency. Arrays of detectors overcome this problem but have been adopted only slowly because of their complexity, low resolution and high cost. All these problems have been addressed in the design of a new high-resolution array on a silicon chip supported by the LINK (JIMS) programme. This device consists of a one-dimensional array of ion detectors on a pitch of 25 microns giving 400 detectors per cm. It has been fully tested and combines many of the properties of the ideal array. This paper provides a background to this important area and considers advantages and limitations of arrays. The array developed at Aberystwyth is outlined.
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