The sensitivity of a helium leak detector with the mass range of a residual gas analyzer means this prototype detector could be used to make a sensitive and portable mass spectrometer

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AddMS says its 1-50 AMU detector is not like other permanently tuned HLDs. It can be used to detect a large variety of compounds (from mass 1 to 50). In the case of an helium leak application, the ability to scan a wider mass range will reduce the cost of the test. One can monitor air peaks prior to using helium to check for a leak. The size of the detector (15x10x6cm), small weight (2kg), low power consumption (10W), is said to make it a perfect solution for the design of a sensitive and portable mass spectrometer. The reduction in size of the detector was not the result of tradeoff with sensitivity. The large ionisation volume of the source gives it the sensitivity of some of the best HLDs. The detector cell is not more complicated to manufacture and assemble than a magnetic HLD. The targeted price for the detector including electronics and software will be comparable to what is offered on the OEM market today. The end-user will not have to be charged for the increased performance. The development of AddMS prototypes into final products will be conducted with the help of VICI (Valco Instruments), also in Houston.

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