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Abstract
We developed an ultra-compact analog front-end for time-of-flight (TOF)-type ion mass spectrometers using application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology. The front-end amplifies signals generated by the microchannel plate of the TOF-type ion mass spectrometer, uses a comparator to distinguish signals from noise, and generates detection signals compatible with low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) standards for subsequent digital processing. Laboratory experiments with the developed ASIC, employing ion beam irradiation, demonstrated that the developed analog front-end has sufficient timing resolution. Temperature tests indicated minimal variation in the detectable input level of the front-end with temperature changes. The experimental results indicated that the developed ASIC front-end is suitable for TOF-type ion mass spectrometry in space applications.