A mass spectrograph using a rotating electric field and position-sensitive detection is described. Its principles of operation are explained, and a prototype instrument and its test results are presented and discussed. Examination of how the instrument’s properties vary under changes of its parameters (e.g., geometry) shows how it can be tailored to specific measurement requirements. The general case utilizing detection in two (polar) dimensions is discussed, and limiting cases employing one-dimensional imaging in each direction, azimuthal and radial, are presented. Applications are suggested and courses for further development are put forth.
