Mass spectrometry - Ion Analyzers

7 important questions on Mass spectrometry - Ion Analyzers

What is a magnetic sector?

Historicaly the first analyzer but alomst not used anymore.
Molecules bend differently in a electromagnetic field due to there m/z ratio.

What is a quadrupole?

  • The most used analyzers.
  • Ion separates by moving in a constant electric field superimposed with an oscillating electric field. According to the frequency of oscillation, only certain m/z ratio will reach the detector. Varying the frequency will ensure a scan of all the ions.
  • Limited resolution (about 2000) and limited range (usually not over 5000 m/z) 

What is ion trap (IT)?

  • Ions are «trapped» by several oscillating electric fields and selectively sent to the detector according to their m/z ratio.
  • Today more and more substituted by «linear ion trap»
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What is time of flight (ToF)?

  • Ions are “pushed” by an electric field in a tube where they drift until they reach the detector
  • The time needed is proportional to their m/z ratio

What is Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR)?

  • Ions rotate in a magnetic field inducing electric signals in detector plates.
  • Frequency of rotation is proportional to their m/z ratio
  • Incredibly high resolution (100000)

What is the triple quadrupole (QqQ)?

Triple quadrupole allows to work on intact molecules and on their fragments

Multiple stage experiments with more than one analyzer are called MS/MS

For what do they use quadrupole-hexapole-ToF?

Same performance as triple quadrupole but also allowing to have high resolution measurements

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