Simulation methods and software for development of ion source ion-optical systems used in mass spectrometers

Hardware and software methods for simulation of general-purpose ion-optical devices and ion sources for mass spectrometers are considered. A review of available methods is represented and description of commercially available software is included. Special emphasis is on the SIMION 3D program (version 7.0) for which the steps of a specific simulation procedure are described. In addition dedicated pre- and postprocessoring software modules enabling one to specify easily initial SIMION beam conditions and to represent in clear graphical form SIMION output information are considered.