This web page's content and links are no longer actively maintained. It is available for reference purposes only. NASA Official: Dr. Paul Mahaffy
 

Ion Source & Housing

Quick Facts: Ion Source

• Size:




Diameter = widest, 1.3 inches (3.302 cm); narrowest, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)

Height = about 2.5 inches ( 6.35 cm)

Object of comparable size: The ion source is approximately half the length of a computer mouse and about the same width.

• Materials Used: Nichrome, a nickel and chromium alloy



• Purpose: Converts the gas sample into ions (electrically charged particles). There are 5 ion sources.

For a more detailed explanation, click here

• Location:
• 
• For an enlarged GCMS Schematic, click here

• Picture:



• 

Quick Facts: Ion Source Housing

• Size:




Height = 4.125 inches (10.4775 cm)

Width = 4 inches ( 10.16 cm)

Depth = about 1.75 inches (4.445 cm)

Object of comparable size: The ion source housing is about the same length and depth as a computer mouse, but slightly wider.

• Materials Used:
Titanium


• Purpose:
Protect the ion sources


• Location:
• 
• The above diagram is of the entire mass spectrometer. It shows the five ion sources - each is a box.



• Picture:



• 

A head-on view of the ion source housing (left) and a side view (right)

• Manufacturer: Various companies were involved in supplying parts for the ion sources and their housing.

For a list of companies that supplied major parts or important services for Huygens' GCMS, click here.

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