Advanced fabrication techniques for an ion mobility spectrometer in Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics

Ion mobility spectroscopy uses the "time of flight" of ions through an electric field to determine the ion species. Hence, a uniform gradient electric field is crucial for Ion Mobility Spectrometer sensitivity and resolving power. This project f°Cuses on the development of a miniature IMS drift tube fabricated in Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics to be integrated into a hybrid system. The current design is targeted at a system that will detect pollutants in ground water. The design of the IMS drift tube incorporates 384 printed layers, consisting of two individual post-bonded segments allowing for approximately 127 electrodes per inch and thus, a uniform electric field. New fabrication techniques were developed to incorporate the 75 millimeter long, 40 millimeter outside diameter, and 20 millimeter inside diameter drift tube. These techniques include constrained lamination, precision milling, extended furnace firing profiles, and an advanced joining technique.