Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been increasingly utilized for the analysis of a variety of molecules and for a myriad of applications that range from the detection of explosives to disease biomarkers. The utility of IMS is largely determined by its resolving power, or in other words, its ability to distinguish molecular signatures from each other and noise. Since the resolving power is determined by the ion path length. Increasing the path length in IMS, however, comes with the challenge of the instrument footprint and the ability to construct such instruments for benchtop and field applications. In this disclosure, we describe a device and a method to substantially increase the path length of the IMS device with minimal change to its footprint or its operating conditions. In one embodiment, ions can be manipulated in the gap between 2 or more concentric surfaces where ions after traveling through an ion path defined by 2 concentric surfaces move to the next ion path defined by 2 other concentric surfaces. In this manner, while the circular surface provides the most compact form, the ion path length is extended. The helical path is advantageous in that it maximizes the available space for path length and also avoids the use of u-turns to move ions. In another embodiment, 2 parallel surfaces with a gap between them are coiled into a helical shape. The helical path length can be continuous throughout the entire device so ions movement from one gap to the next is seamless and avoids field discontinuity that causes ion losses and/or resolving power. In a third embodiment, a single surface with electrodes patterned on both sides of the surface is coiled into itself such that a gap is created where the appropriate potentials are applied to manipulate ions. The path length as defined by 2 concentric surfaces can be a serpentine, helical, or combination of both. Electric fields used in these embodiments are a combination of oscillatory and static nature that act to confine ions preventing their losses and propelling ions through the entire device. These embodiments allow for extending the path length and therefore the resolving power of IMS in a compact footprint.