Thermoionic source of polyatomic ions

The results of the mass-spectrometric studies, in vacuum and in air, of thermoionic emission of positive ions of organic compounds, including monolinear ions containing up to 50 atoms with current density up to 10-7 A/cm2, have been presented. The optimal conditions of ion generation in vacuum and in air are discussed, as well as the advantages and possibilities of application of thermoionic sources of polyatomic ions.