Designing and building a mass spectrometer.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and design considerations for building a mass spectrometer as a senior project in electrical engineering and physics. Participants explore various aspects of the project, including the necessary equipment, calibration, and the challenges associated with vacuum systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm about designing and building a mass spectrometer, emphasizing the desire to include features like m/q value calculation and relative abundance display.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of achieving and maintaining a vacuum, with some participants noting the potential need for expensive high vacuum equipment.
  • Another participant suggests that a simpler approach could involve constructing a case that can withstand pressure without imploding, and mentions the possibility of using a less expensive pump for vacuum creation.
  • There is a discussion about the acceptable resolution for the project, with one participant indicating a willingness to start with a basic setup and potentially upgrade if higher resolution becomes feasible.
  • One participant highlights the importance of personal interest in the project as a motivating factor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges posed by vacuum requirements, but there are differing opinions on how to approach these challenges and the level of resolution that is necessary for the project. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods and equipment to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the technical specifications required for vacuum systems or the calibration processes necessary for accurate mass spectrometry. There are also assumptions about the budget and resources available for the project that remain unaddressed.

leright
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I am a double major in EE and physics and I was thinking that a great senior project would be to design and build my own mass spectrometer. I would not only like to build the basic device, but also calibrate the device so that it provides the m/q value based on the radius of curvature caused by the B-field, and also provides the relative abundance of these m/q values, like a real mass spectrometer. I would like this to be displayed on an LCD screen of some sort possibly.

I have a good understanding of how mass spectrometers work and it seems like this is feasible. Am I out of my mind? I have 2 years before my senior design project is due, and I think I am going to get started on my project very soon. I plan on designing all of the power electronics (such as the rectifier and ripple voltage reduction circuitry) myself. Any advice or suggestions?

I want to find a project that is heavy on the E&M calculations since it is one of my favorite topics, and this came to mind. It seems like an exciting endeavor.

Thanks.
 
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I would think that the vacuum would be difficult to deal with.
 
NoTime said:
I would think that the vacuum would be difficult to deal with.

This is what I was thinking. I would need expensive high vacuum equipment.
 
I was thinking more along the line of just building a case that won't implode.
You might be able to find a pump that could empty it out enough to do something fairly cheap.
Kind of depends on what you are willing to live with for resolution.
 
NoTime said:
I was thinking more along the line of just building a case that won't implode.
You might be able to find a pump that could empty it out enough to do something fairly cheap.
Kind of depends on what you are willing to live with for resolution.

Well, I don't plan on building something extremely high end...just something that works. Really my goal is to just be able to pick out the m/q value with the highest abundance so I can determine the molecular weight of various substances. Once I get int othe project and start realizing that I may be able to tackle a project with higher resolution then I will consider more high end equipment.
 
:cool:
Being interested in something has always been a good enough reason for me.

Best
 

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