Electron-ion fragmentation reactions in multipolar radiofrequency fields

Device and method for performing electron-ion fragmentation reactions comprising a multi-electrode structure, a generator for delivering radiofrequency voltages to the multi-electrode structure to form an electric multipolar radio frequency field for confining ions in a spatially limited region for a period of time, an ion source for providing ions, ion acceleration means for delivering ions into the electric radiofrequency field, means for superimposing a magnetic field on the electric radiofrequency field, and means for providing electrons with energies below 20 electronvolts into a spatially limited region for reacting with the ions.