Radio-Frequency Mass Spectrometers and Their Applications in Space

This paper describes briefly the operation of three common radio-frequency mass spectrometers and compares their performances. Their limitations (maximum resolving power, operating pressure range, etc.) are pointed out. It is concluded that the quadrupole spectrometer has fewer limitations and is more generally useful in space probes than the other devices. Some present and proposed uses of spectrometers in space are discussed, and the problem of contamination of the atmosphere being sampled by the spectrometer is reviewed.