A compact ion source combining electron-impact and thermal ionization for multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A compact ion source combining electron impact and thermal ionization has been developed and commissioned in two Multiple-Reflection Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS) setups at the Fragment Separator Ion Catcher at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany, and at TRIUMF's Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear science at TRIUMF Canada's particle accelerator center, Vancouver, Canada. The ion source is notable for its compact dimensions of 50 mm in height and 68 mm in diameter. The ion source is currently in daily operation at both facilities.