SIMION software

In practice, the ion optical properties of an ion source are optimized by means of ion trajectory calculations. [31] The standard tool for this task is the SIMION software suite, [32-35] while there are others, too. [36] Thus, the optimum number, positions, voltages, and eventually shapes of the plates are determined (Fig. 5.11). In order to compensate for slight mechanical deviations from theory and for effects exerted by contamination of the plates during elongated use, the voltages can be adjusted to yield optimum conditions. 

For this layout of the plasma chamber the trajectories of the electrons as well as the ions in an applied electrical field were simulated with the SIMION 8.0 software [18], Figure 4 depicts the extraction of electrons out of the plasma chamber for a potential difference of 100 V between the plasma and the ionization chamber [19] at vacuum conditions, i.e., without electron-gas interaction. The corresponding electron energy... 

SIMION (1996). Version 6.0 (3-D), Energy Science and Technology Software Center. 

These electrodes can be tested by appropriate software as SIMION [31] or other finite-element based programs. The suitability of the electrodes can be evaluated also by calculating their ability to store ions, in comparison with the ideal quadru-polar hyperboloidal geometry [32], to which the designers of micro traps aspire, and by dedicated experiment. 

The properties of a wide variety of ion lens configurations have been systematically explored by many research teams and the underlying properties of these lenses are well understood and predictable in terms of the voltage ratios and dimensions of the lens components. However, it is common practice these days to design ion optics with the aid of computer simulations of the ion trajectories. Several programs have been developed for such applications, but the best known and most widely used is SIMION . This is commercial software that has been through a number of revisions over many years and is available for operation on a desktop PC. The user specifies the electrode geometries, separations and applied potentials, from which SIMION can map out the inter-electrode potentials and... 

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