Theoretischer Stossquerschnitt ("CCS") beim Experimententwurf

Es wird ein Verfahren zur Massenspektrometrie offenbart, welches Folgendes umfasst: Berechnen eines Ionenbeweglichkeitswerts, Stoßquerschnitts oder Wechselwirkungsquerschnitts einer Anzahl verschiedener Analytionen unter einer oder mehreren verschiedenen analytischen Bedingungen und Festlegen eines oder mehrerer Betriebsparameter eines Massenspektrometers als Antwort auf auf die berechneten Ionenbeweglichkeitswerte, Stoßquerschnitte oder Wechselwirkungsquerschnitte, um eine nachfolgende Ionenbeweglichkeitstrennung einer Anzahl verschiedener Analytionen zu maximieren oder zu verbessern.

Tandem Flugzeitmassenspektrometer mit ungleichmässiger Probennahme

Verfahren zur Tandem Flugzeit-Massenspektrometrie-Analyse, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:Extrahieren einer Vielzahl von Stammionenspezies mit verschiedenen m / z-Werten aus einer gepulsten Ionenquelle (15) oder einem gepulsten Konverter,die/der durch einen Zyklus von Quellenpulsen getriggert wird;zeitliches Trennen der Stammionen nach m / z-Wert innerhalb eines mehrfachreflektierenden elektrostatischen Feldes mit isochroner und räumlicher Fokussierung;Auswählen und Probenehmen von einer oder mehreren Stammionenspezies durch ein elektrisches Impulsfeld mit einem Zeittor (16), das relativ zu dem Zyklus von Quellenpulsen verzögert ist;Fragmentieren der durch das Zeittor (16) durchgelassenen Stammionen durch Kollisionen mit einem Gas und/oder einer Oberfläche;Extrahieren von Fragmentionen durch das mehrfach reflektierende elektrische Feld mit einer Verzögerung relativ zu dem Zeittor (16);zeitliches Trennen der Fragmentionen innerhalb des mehrfach-reflektierenden elektrostatischen Feldes; undAufzeichnen ...

Mass spectrometer

Mass spectrometer, comprising an ion source; a mass filter 50, arranged to receive ions from the ion source, the mass filter selects ions of a range of mass-to-charge ratios and transmits the selected ions; a reaction cell 60, receives ions from the mass filter and reacts the received ions with a gas and provides product ions; a mass analyser 80, receives the product ions from the reaction cell and analyses the received ions within one or more analysis ranges of mass-to-charge ratios and provides at least one output based on detection of the analysed ions; the spectrometer further comprises a controller which provides a first output from the mass analyser measuring ions within a first analysis range of mass-to-charge ratios including a desired mass-to-charge ratio and provide ...

Pre-filter fragmentation

COLLISION CELL FOR TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

Ion fragmentation by reaction with excited neutral particles

A method for the fragmentation of analyte ions 6 comprises causing the analyte ions 6 to react with excited or radical neutral particles 8. In the case of bombardment of analyte ions with helium atoms from an FAB generator (9-14), a new type of fragmentation occurs which strongly resembles fragmentation by electron capture (ECD). The reactions may be performed in magnetic ion traps (ion cyclotron resonance cells, ICR), in RF ion traps according to Wolfgang Paul, in RF ion guides, or in free beams of analyte ions or neutral particles. In an another embodiment the invention comprises a mass spectrometer which utilise the above fragmentation technique.

Interference suppression in mass spectrometers

Unknown identification using theroretical collision cross section

Mass spectrometer

Controlling ion temperature in an ion guide

Method of identifying precursor ions

Using theoretical collision cross section ("CCS") in sample identification

Mass spectrometer method and a mass spectrometer for analysing complex gas mixtures

The invention relates to a method and a mass spectrometer for analysing complex gas mixtures which has an evaluation device which is fed the measured values of the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer 6 is assigned a switching device, in particular a measurement parameter control device for changing measurement parameters. The invention provides that at least one measurement parameter can be varied and/or set to a prescribed specific measurement parameter different from the previous measurement parameter for directly sequential spectral measurements, in particular, this being done with the measurement parameter control device. It also provides that the evaluation device, or an arithmetic unit 7 assigned to it is provided and designed to solve the previously underdetermined system of linear equations which are supplemented by the measurement parameter variation to form a specific, preferably overdetermined system of equations and concern the relationship between the measured values obtained ...

REACTIVE COLLISION CELL WITH BAND-PASS FILTER

MASSENSPEKTROMETRISCHES VERFAHREN UND MASSENSPEKTROMETER ZUR ANALYSE VON KOMPLEXEN GASMISCHUNGEN

MASS-SPECTROMETRIC PROCEDURE AND MASS SPECTROMETER FOR THE ANALYSIS OF COMPLEXES GAS MIXTURES

UNIVERSAL ION TRAP MASSENSPEKTOMETRIE ONES USING COLLISION-INDUCED ACTIVATION

Mass spectrometry method for analysing mixtures of substances

METHODS FOR FRAGMENTING IONS IN A LINEAR ION TRAP

Methods for fragmenting ions retained in an ion trap are described. In various embodiments, a non-steady-state pressure of a neutral collision gas of less than about 5 x 10-4 Torr and an excitation amplitude of less than about 500 mV (peak to ground) is used to fragment ions with greater than about 80% fragmentation efficiency. In various embodiments, duration of ion excitation is greater than about 25 ms.

SEGMENTED LINEAR ION TRAP FOR ENHANCED ION ACTIVATION AND STORAGE

A linear ion trap includes at least two discrete trapping regions for processing ions, a RF electrical potential generator, a multi-output DC electrical potential generator, and a control unit. The RF electrical potential generator produces two RF waveforms each applied to a pair of pole electrodes of the linear ion trap forming a RF trapping field component to trap ions radially. The multi-output DC electrical potential generator produces multiple DC field components superimposed to the RF field component and distributed across the length of the linear ion trap to control ions axially. The control unit switches the DC electrical potentials and corresponding DC field components collectively forming a first trapping region populated with ions to alter ion potential energy from a first level to a second level, and enables a first ion processing step in at least one of the first and second levels.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND PRECISE CONTROL OF GAS PHASE REACTIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETERS USING AN AUTO EJECTION ION TRAP

A collision or reaction device for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a first device arranged and adapted to cause first ions to collide or react with charged particles and/or neutral particles or otherwise dissociate so as to form second ions. The collision or reaction device further comprises a second device arranged and adapted to apply a broadband excitation (3) with one or more frequency notches (4) to the first device so as to cause the second ions and/or ions derived from the second ions to be substantially ejected from the first device without causing the first ions to be substantially ejected from the first device.

MULTI-REFLECTION MASS SPECTROMETER

A multi-reflection mass spectrometer comprising two ion-optical mirrors, each mirror elongated generally along a drift direction (Y), each mirror opposing the other in an X direction and having a space therebetween, the X direction being orthogonal to Y; the mass spectrometer further comprising one or more compensation electrodes each electrode being located in or adjacent the space extending between the opposing mirrors; the compensation electrodes being configured and electrically biased in use so as to produce, in at least a portion of the space extending between the mirrors, an electrical potential offset which: (i) varies as a function of the distance along the drift length, and/or; (ii) has a different extent in the X direction as a function of the distance along the drift length. In use, ions oscillate between the opposing mirrors whilst proceeding along a drift length in the Y direction. Associated methods of mass spectrometry are provided. The compensation electrodes may be electrically ...

METHODS OF USING ION TRAP MASS SPECTROMETERS

IMPROVED METHODS OF USING ION TRAP MASS SPECTROMETERS Improved methods of using an ion trap mass spectrometer, whereby AC voltages supplemental to the AC trapping voltage are used for scanning the trap, for conducting chemical ionization experiments, and for conducting MSn experiments, are shown. In one embodiment a broadband supplemental AC voltage is applied to rid the trap of ions above or below a preselected cutoff mass. This is particularly useful in conducting chemical ionization experiments for eliminating high mass sample ions that are formed when the reagent gas is ionized by electron impact ionization. Likewise, this technique may be used to eliminate low mass reagent ions when conducting an electron impact ionization experiment in the presence of a reagent gas. In another embodiment a non-resonant, low-frequency supplemental voltage is applied to the trap causing trapped ions to undergo collision inducted dissociation. Multiple generations of ion fragments may be simultaneously ...

METHOD FOR INCREASED RESOLUTION IN TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

A method is provided of increasing the resolution in a tandem mass spectrometer having a first quadrupole Q1 to select a parent ion, a second quadrupole Q2 which contains a target gas and forms a collision cell, and a third or analyzing quadrupole Q3 which generates a mass spectrum from daughter ions from Q2. In the method, the target thickness of the target gas in Q2 is held at least at 1.32 x 10 15 cm-2, preferably at least 3.30 x 10 15 cm-2, and the DC offset voltage between Q2 and Q3 is kept low or zero. This greatly improves the resolution available in Q3. Q3 is therefore operated with at least unit resolution, and in some cases with resolution of 1/2 or 1/3 amu, making it possible to resolve isotopes of singly, doubly or triply charged daughter ions.

BANDPASS REACTIVE COLLISION CELL

A method of reducing isobaric interferences by transmitting ions from an ion source through an ion transmission device, typically a quadrupole collision cell, and then into an analyzing mass spectrometer, in which the collision cell is operated with a pass band which rejects intermediate ions which would otherwise tend to react to form isobaric interferences. Preferably ammonia is used as a reaction gas in the collision cell. Depending on the chemistry involved, the collision cell may be operated to set the low mass cutoff at an appropriate level, or more usually, the pass band will have both high and low mass cutoffs determined by applying both RF and DC to the collision cell. The collision cell may also be operated with a pass band to transmit ions into a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, thus limiting the mass range of ions entering the TOF and thereby improving the duty cycle of the TOF.

COLLISION IONIZATION SOURCE

Disclosed is an improved collision ionization source. An example source includes an ionization region arranged to receive a gas and a charged particle beam ionizing at least some of the gas, and a supply duct configured to provide the gas to the ionization region. The supply duct has a non-uniform height decreasing from an input orifice to an output orifice. The output orifice is arranged adjacent to the ionization region. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2018 ...

IN SITU GENERATION OF OZONE FOR MASS SPECTROMETERS

In some embodiments, a mass spectrometer capable of performing OzID is disclosed that can provide ozone in situ within an evacuated chamber of the spectrometer, e.g., within a collision cell or within the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, a corona discharge generated within the evacuated chamber can be employed to convert an ozone precursor delivered to the chamber into ozone.

UNIVERSAL COLLISIONAL ACTIVATION ION TRAP MASS SPECTROMETRY

A universal collisional activation ion trap comprises an ion trapping means containing a bath gas and having connected thereto a noise signal generator (4). A method of operating a universal collisional activation ion trap comprises the steps of: providing an ion trapping means (1-3); introducing into the ion trapping means a bath gas; and generating a noise signal within the ion trapping means; introducing into the ion trapping means a substance that, when acted upon by the noise signal, undergoes collisional activation to form product ions.

Mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer includes a fragmentation cell having a plurality of ring or plate-like electrodes with apertures through which ions are transmitted. An axial DC gradient is preferably maintained along at least a portion of the length of the fragmentation cell in order to improve the transit time of ions through the device.

CHROMATOGRAPH MASS SPECTROMETER

A chromatograph mass spectrometer including an optimum gas pressure search controller that performs an MRM measurement for a target compound while changing a collision-gas pressure, investigates an optimum collision-gas pressure giving a highest signal strength based on the measured result, and stores the same gas pressure for each compound in a compound-related information storage section. When a target compound is specified in a simultaneous multicomponent analysis, a control sequence determiner reads the optimum collision-gas pressure and retention time information corresponding to the specified compound from the storage section, prepares a control sequence which sets the gas pressure in a collision cell at the optimum gas pressure at the timing where each compound is eluted, and stores the sequence in a control sequence storage section. 1. A chromatograph mass spectrometer including a chromatograph for separating compounds in a sample and a mass analyzer for making an ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio among ions originating from a compound in a sample separated by the chromatograph undergo a dissociation by a collision with collision gas within a collision cell and for detecting a product ion produced by the dissociation , the chromatograph mass spectrometer comprising:a) a gas supplier for supplying the collision gas to the collision cell;b) a compound information storage section for storing retention time information and optimum collision-gas pressure information for each compound; andc) an analysis controller for retrieving the retention time information and the optimum collision-gas pressure information for a target compound designated as a measurement target from the compound information storage section, and for controlling the gas supplier based on the retrieved information so as to regulate a collision-gas pressure according to a timing at which the target compound is introduced from the chromatograph into the mass analyzer.2. The chromatograph ...

TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETER

Under the control of an analysis control unit (5), a mass spectrometer unit (2) performs a product-ion scan measurement for a target component in a target sample within a time range where the component is introduced. It also performs a scan measurement over an m/z range including the m/z of an ion originating from a standard component within the same segment of time. A mass correction information calculator (42) calculates mass correction information from measured and theoretical values of the m/z of the ion originating from the standard component observed on an MS spectrum obtained by the scan measurement. Using the mass correction information, a mass corrector (43) corrects the m/z of each ion peak originating from the target component observed on an MS/MS spectrum obtained by the product-ion scan measurement performed within the same cycle as the scan measurement concerned. It is possible to consider that the MS measurement and the MS/MS measurement within the same cycle have been almost ...

System and method for grouping precursor and fragment ions using selected ion chromatograms

LC/MS data generated by an LC/MS system is analyzed to determine groupings of ions associated with originating molecules. Ions are grouped initially according to retention time, for example, using retention time or chromatographic peaks in mass chromatograms. After initial groupings are determined based on retention time, ion peak shapes are compared to determine whether ions should be excluded. Ions having peak shapes not matching other ions, or alternatively a reference peak shape, are excluded from the group.

MASS SPECTROMETER AND MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD

The degree of ion dissociation which occurs within a first intermediate vacuum chamber (212) maintained at a comparatively low degree of vacuum depends not only on the amount of energy of the ion but also on the size and other properties of the ion. Accordingly, a predetermined optimum level of DC bias voltage is applied to an ion guide (24) so as to create, within the first intermediate vacuum chamber (212), a DC electric field which barely induces the dissociation of an ion originating from a target compound in a sample while promoting the dissociation of an ion originating from a foreign substance which will form a noise signal in the observation of the target compound. The optimum DC bias voltage is previously determined by creating extracted ion chromatograms based on data collected under various DC bias voltages and evaluating the SN ratio using the chromatograms. Consequently, the accuracy and sensitivity of the quantitative determination is improved as compared to a conventional ...

Means and method for a quadrupole surface induced dissociation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A means and method are disclosed whereby ions from an ion source can be selected and transferred to a time-of-flight mass analyzer via an arrangement of multipoles in such a way that fragmented ions may be generated by collision-induced dissociation or surface-induced dissociation. First, ions from the source are collisionally cooled by a first multipole. Second, the m/z range of the ions is then selected by a second multipole (preferably a quadrupole). Third, the selected ions are allowed to collide with a "collision surface" capable of producing fragment ions. Fourth, these fragment ions are collisionally cooled in a third multipole and delivered into a TOF mass analyzer for subsequent analysis of the fragmented ions.

Mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a time of flight mass analyzer. The time of flight mass analyzer comprises an ion guide comprising a plurality of electrodes which are interconnected by a series of resistors forming a potential divider. Ions are confined radially within the ion guide by the application of a two-phase RF voltage to the electrodes. A single phase additional RF voltage is applied across the potential divider so that an inhomogeneous pseudo-potential force is maintained along the length of the ion guide.

Mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a collision or fragmentation cell (5). The kinetic energy of ions is increased substantially linearly with time in order to optimise the fragmentation energy of ions as they enter the collision or fragmentation cell (5).

Enhanced gradient multipole collision cell for higher duty cycle

A method for processing ions in mass spectrometry is provided. The method provides for processing analyte ions 110, 112, 114 in a ion processing cell 10 having elongated segmented rods 20, 22, 24, 26, a circuit for applying RF voltages and a circuit for applying DC voltages selectively to the segments 30 of the segmented rods 20, 22, 24, 26. The method comprises applying an RF field to the elongated volume 21, applying DC voltage sclectinely to the segments 30 to form a plurality of potential regions 120, 150, 160 having discrete potentials; providing analyte ions 110, 112, 114 to a first potential region of the plurality of potential regions 120, 150, 160 and processing at least a portion of the anatyte ions 110, 112, 114 in the first potential region 120, 150, 160. In one embodiment, at least one potential region of the plurality of potential regions 120, 150, 160 is a potential well.

Massenspektroskopie-Verfahren

Ion fragmentation

A collision cell arrangement 10 for a mass spectrometer 1 arranged to receive precursor ions for fragmentation in a collision cell chamber 30 and comprising an activation ion generator 20 configured to irradiate the received precursor ions with activation ions of the same polarity as the received ions. The activation ion generator is preferably a plasma generator configured to generate a plasma comprising the activation ions from a gas received within a plasma chamber. An activation ion beam extracted from the plasma generator, and preferably accelerated into the collision cell, may contain a large variety of ionic, metastable and neutral species within a broad range of kinetic energies, at least some of which will react with precursor ions through a variety of collisional, proton-, atom- and electron transfer reactions.

Methods of associating parent and daughter ions from a sample

The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer and methods of mass spectrometry adapted for assigning fragmentation products to their precursor ions by measuring parent and daughter ions from two or more different areas of a sample and identifying corresponding changes in the number of parent and product ions between said different areas. Initial parent ion selection is not required as sets of parent and fragment ions are associated by comparison of the ion mobility of the parent ions and the ion mobility of the parent ions from which the fragments are derived. Isomeric parent analyte ions which co-elute from the ion mobility separator used for the mobility measurements may be identified by reviewing the combined intensities of two or more unassociated fragment ions with the parent analyte ions. The identification of changes in the quantities of the parent and/or fragment ions may involve conducting image analysis of respective spectra to identify common patterns.

Mass spectrometer with reduced potential drop

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a first device 2 and a second device 3 disposed downstream of the first device. The method further comprises reducing the total potential drop across the first and second devices by applying a reverse axial electric field, i.e. one that opposes the onward transmission of ions, to the first device and/or the second device. Ions are driven through the first device and/or the second device against the reverse axial electric field by, for example, a gas flow or using a travelling DC voltage wave or waveform 5. Preferably, a potential difference is introduced between the exit of the first device and the entrance of the second device, said potential difference being adjustable by adjusting the reverse axial field. The potential difference may be used to accelerate ions into a fragmentation cell formed by the second device.

Improved gas flow control

Collision cell for tandem mass spectrometry

A method and apparatus for tandem mass spectrometry is disclosed. Precursor ions are fragmented and the fragments are accumulated in parallel, by converting an incoming stream of ions from an ion source (10) into a time separated sequence of multiple precursor ions which are then assigned to their own particular channel of a multi compartment collision cell (40). In this manner, precursor ion species, being allocated to their own dedicated fragmentation cell chambers (41, 42... 43) within the fragmentation cell (40), can then be captured and fragmented by that dedicated fragmentation chamber at optimum energy and/or fragmentation conditions.

Collision cell for triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

Methods and apparatus for improving the performance of triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometers consisting of constructing the collision cell surrounding the second quadrupole structure, into which collision gas is admitted, with end plates composed of leaky dielectric material which appear to radio-frequency electric fields as a dielectric and to dc electric fields as a conductor. The result is that the rf fringe fields extend farther away from the ends of the poles of the first and third analyzing quadrupole mass filter than do the dc fringe fields, thus keeping the ions on stable trajectories in the regions between the analyzing quadrupoles and the end plates of the collision cell, and improving the transmission of ions. The effect is enhanced by applying the same frequency and phase of the ac voltages applied to all three quadrupole structures.

COLLISION CELL FOR TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

System and method for grouping precursor and fragment ions using selected ion chromatograms

A liquid chromatography and mass spectrometer system and method where a sample is processed by a liquid chromatograph (104), analyzed in a mass spectrometer (112), and the resulting spectral data is processed by a computing means (126).

TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETERS.

Collision-induced decomposition of ions in RF ion traps

Bench-top time of flight mass spectrometer

Controlling hydrogen-deuterium exchange on a spectrum by spectrum basis

Fast modulation with downstream homogenisation

A DDA experiment with reduced data processing

Mass spectrometer

Targeted mass analysis

Mass spectrometry assay method for detection and quantitation of kidney function metabolites

A method for determining in a sample, by mass spectrometry, the amount of one or more analytes selected from the group consisting of N-acetylthreonine, TMAP, phenylacetylglutamine, tryptophan, creatinine, meso-erythritol, arabitol, myo-inositol, N-acetyl serine, N-acetylalanine, 3-methylhistidine, trans-4-hydroxyproline, kynurenine, urea, C-glycosyltryptophan, 3-indoxyl sulfate, pseudouridine, and combinations thereof is described. The method comprises subjecting the sample to an ionization source under conditions suitable to produce one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry from each of the one or more of the analytes; measuring, by mass spectrometry, the amount of the one or more ions from each of the one or more analytes; and using the measured amount of the one or more ions to determine the amount of each of the one or more analytes in the sample. Also described is a kit comprising one or more isotopically labeled analogues as internal standards for each of the one or more analytes ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING A GAS MIXTURE TO SELECT IONS

Certain configurations described herein are directed to mass spectrometer systems that can use a gas mixture to select and/or detect ions. In some instances, the gas mixture can be used in both a collision mode and in a reaction mode to provide improved detection limits using the same gas mixture.

MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR ANALYSING MIXTURES OF SUBSTANCES

The invention relates to a mass spectrometry method for analysing mixtures of substances using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, whereby said mixtures of substances are ionised prior to analysis. The invention is characterised in that the method comprises the following steps: a) selection of a mass/charge quotient (m/z) of an ion created by ionisation in a first analytical quadrupole (I) of the mass spectrometer; b) fragmentation of the ion selected in step (a) by applying an acceleration voltage in an additional subsequent quadrupole (II), which is filled with a collision gas and acts as a collision chamber; c) selection of a mass/charge quotient of an ion created by the fragmentation process in step (b) in an additional subsequent quadrupole (III), whereby steps (a) to (c) of the method are carried out at least once; and d) analysis of the mass/charge quotients of all the ions present in the mixture of substances as a result of the ionisation process, whereby the quadrupole (II) ...

MASS SPECTROMETER

A collision or fragmentation cell (4) is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes wherein a first RF voltage (7a) is applied to an upstream group of electrodes and a second different RF voltage (7b) is applied to a downstream group of electrodes. The radial confinement of parent ions entering the collision or fragmentation cell (4) is optimised by the first RF voltage applied to the upstream group of electrodes and the radial confinement of daughter or fragment ions produced within the collision or fragmentation cell (4) is optimised by the second different RF voltage applied to the downstream group of electrodes.

OPTIMIZATION OF EXCITATION VOLTAGE AMPLITUDE FOR COLLISION INDUCED DISSOCIATION OF IONS IN AN ION TRAP

Collision induced dissociation of precursor ions in an ion trap is performed by determining a predicted fragmentation-optimized excitation voltage amplitude based on an indicator of damping gas pressure, such as a damping gas flow rate, and optionally other parameters including precursor ion m/z and an indicator of the Mathieu parameter q. The excitation voltage may then be applied to electrodes of the ion trap in steps of increasing amplitude, wherein at least one of the amplitudes corresponds to the predicted optimum value. Application of the excitation voltage in this manner produces favorable fragmentation efficiencies over a range of operating parameters and for ions of differing chemical properties.

METHODS FOR FRAGMENTING IONS IN A LINEAR ION TRAP

Methods for fragmenting ions retained in an ion trap are described. In various embodiments, a non-steady-state pressure of a neutral collision gas of less than about 5 x 10-4 Torr and an excitation amplitude of less than about 500 mV (peak to ground) is used to fragment ions with greater than about 80% fragmentation efficiency. In various embodiments, duration of ion excitation is greater than about 25 ms.

METHOD OF OPERATING A LINEAR ION TRAP TO PROVIDE LOW PRESSURE SHORT TIME HIGH AMPLITUDE EXCITATION WITH PULSED PRESSURE

Methods for fragmenting ions in an ion trap are described. These methods involve a) selecting parent ions for fragmentation; b) retaining the parent ions within the ion trap for a retention time interval, the ion trap having an operating pressure of less than about 1 x 10-4 Torr; c) providing a RF trapping voltage to the ion trap to provide a Mathieu stability parameter q at an excitement level during an excitement time interval within the retention time interval; d) providing a resonant excitation voltage to the ion trap during the excitement time interval to excite and fragment the parent ions; e) providing a non- steady-state pressure increase of at least 10% of the operating pressure within the ion trap by delivering a neutral gas into the ion trap for at least a portion of the retention time interval to raise the pressure in the ion trap to a varying first elevated-pressure in the range between about 6 x 10-5 Torr to about 5 x 10-4 Torr for a first elevated-pressure duration; and f ...

LENS FREE COLLISION CELL WITH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY

An ion collision cell is fabricated by four semi-circular profile elements, all of which are attach to the same reference plate. Consequently, all four elements remain aligned to the same reference plate. The four elements form a semi--circular channel with a semi-circular quad electrodes. The quad electrodes receive electrical potential to form the field required to focus and maintain the ions at the center of the channel. semi-circular insulators are provided on all sides of the channel so as to seal the channel over its length from the interior of the mass spectrometer.

COLLISION CELL MULTIPOLE

Mass spectrometer collision/reaction cell multipole (80) and method. The multipole may have first and second portions (82, 90) and an intermediate portion (86) therebetween, the first and second portions operating at first and second q values lower than a third q value at the intermediate portion. A low-mass cut-off of the multipole may be controlled by varying a q value from a first to at least a second value. The multipole may have multipole electrodes (80) disposed about a central axis and having a respective first portion, second portion, and intermediate portion therebetween which is radially closer to the central axis. Generally, the q value changes from a first relatively low value at the entrance end (20) to at least a second relatively higher value. This offers relatively high acceptance and ion transmission, while providing low-mass cut-off for removing undesired/interfering ions and helping reduce background count. Advantageously, there is a further change in q value downstream ...

TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETER

An objective of the present invention is to acquire a high-quality mass spectrum with alleviated mass/charge axis deviation in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer even when executing a high-speed mass scan with MS/MS analysis. Mass calibration tables (22A1, 22A2, 22B1, 22B1) which denote relations between m/z and a mass deviation value which take scan speed as a parameter are prepared separately for use in MS analyses which do not involve disassociation operations and MS/MS analyses which do involve disassociation operations. According to a measuring mode, such as a product ion scan measurement or a neutral loss scan measurement, when carrying out MS/MS analysis, a mass deviation value for the minimum scan speed (S1) in a table is used for a quadrupole where the selected m/z is fixed, and a mass deviation value for a designated scan speed in a table is used for a quadrupole where the mass scan is carried out, thus controlling the operations of each of the preceding quadrupole and the ...

MASS SPECTROMETRY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYSES ON LIPID AND OTHER IONS USING A UNIQUE WORKFLOW

The applicants' teachings provide in some aspects methods and apparatus for mass spectrometric analysis that identify the location of carbon-carbon double bonds, if any, in an analyte by (1) obtaining the m/z ratio of the intact analyte ions, (2) subjecting these ions to collision-induced dissociation and (3) determining relationships between masses and/or mass- to-charge ratios of the intact analyte ions and the fragments produced by such collision- induced dissociation. The methods and apparatus selectively subject analyte ions to ozone- induced dissociation based on those relationships and determine location(s) of carbon-carbon double bonds, if any, from reaction products of ozone- induced dissociation.

COLLISION CELL MULTIPOLE

Mass spectrometer collision/reaction cell multipole (80) and method. The multipole may have first and second portions (82, 90) and an intermediate portion (86) therebetween, the first and second portions operating at first and second q values lower than a third q value at the intermediate portion. A low-mass cut-off of the multipole may be controlled by varying a q value from a first to at least a second value. The multipole may have multipole electrodes (80) disposed about a central axis and having a respective first portion, second portion, and intermediate portion therebetween which is radially closer to the central axis. Generally, the q value changes from a first relatively low value at the entrance end (20) to at least a second relatively higher value. This offers relatively high acceptance and ion transmission, while providing low-mass cut-off for removing undesired/interfering ions and helping reduce background count. Advantageously, there is a further change in q value downstream ...

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE-INSENSITIVE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISSOCIATING IONS

In a method for exciting a precursor ion in an ion trap (102), the ion is trapped in a nonlinear trapping field that includes a quadrupolar field and a multipole field (506, 510). The quadrupolar field is generated by applying a radio-frequency (RF) trapping voltage to the ion trap at a trapping amplitude and trapping frequency. A supplemental alternating-current (AC) voltage is applied to the ion trap at a supplemental amplitude and supplemental frequency (514). The supplemental amplitude is low enough to prevent ejection of the ion from the ion trap, and the supplemental frequency differs from the secular frequency of the ion by an offset amount. One or more operating parameters of the ion trap are adjusted, such that the ion absorbs energy from the supplemental field sufficient to undergo collision-induced dissociation (CID) without being in resonance with the supplemental field.

Fast Modulation with Downstream Homogenisation

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed involving scanning a parameter of a first device through which a mixture of components is passed. Different components are transmitted through or produced in the first device at different values of the parameter and hence scanning the device parameter introduces a temporal modulation or profile to the components. This temporal variation is then removed prior to mass analysing the components through a process of homogenisation.

LENS FREE COLLISION CELL WITH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY

An ion collision cell is fabricated by four semi-circular profile elements, all of which are attach to the same reference plate. Consequently, all four elements remain aligned to the same reference plate. The four elements form a semi-circular channel with a semi-circular quad electrodes. The quad electrodes receive electrical potential to form the field required to focus and maintain the ions at the center of the channel. semi-circular insulators are provided on all sides of the channel so as to seal the channel over its length from the interior of the mass spectrometer.

Automated Determination of Mass Spectrometer Collision Energy

The present disclosure establishes new dissociation parameters that may be used to determine the collision energy (CE) needed to achieve a desired extent of dissociation for a given analyte precursor ion using collision cell type collision-induced dissociation. This selection is based solely on the analyte precursor ion's molecular weight, MW, and charge state, z. Metrics are proposed that may be used as a parameter for the “extent of dissociation”, and then predictive models are developed of the CEs required to achieve a range of values for each metric. Each model is a simple smooth function of only MW and z of the precursor ion. Coupled with a real-time spectral deconvolution (m/z to mass) algorithm, methods in accordance with the invention enable control over the extent of dissociation through automated, real-time selection of collision energy in a precursor-dependent manner.

Broad ion fragmentation coverage in mass spectrometry by varying the collision energy

In the field of mass spectrometry, a method of obtaining a mass spectrum enriched with fragment ions while retaining the precursor ion. The technique includes varying the collision energy experienced by the precursor ion such that a range of fragmentations occur. Related methods are also disclosed for obtaining MS, MS², MS³ and MSⁿ spectra which are enriched with fragment ions.

Mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion mobility spectrometer or separator (3) arranged upstream of a collision or fragmentation cell (5). Ions are separated according to their ion mobility within the ion mobility spectrometer or separator (3). The kinetic energy of the ions exiting the ion mobility spectrometer or separator (3) is increased substantially linearly with time in order to optimize the fragmentation energy of ions as they enter the collision or fragmentation cell (5).

ION GUIDE WITH REDUCED NODING EFFECT

An ion optical arrangement (1) for use in a mass spectrometer comprises electrodes (11, 12, 14) comprising a multipole arrangement defining an ion optical axis, and a voltage source for providing voltages to the electrodes to produce electric fields. The ion optical arrangement is configured for producing a radio frequency electric focusing field for focusing ions on the ion optical axis. The radio frequency electric focusing field has a varying frequency so as to reduce any mass dependence of ion trajectories through the ion optical arrangement. The ion optical arrangement may further he configured for producing a static electric field in response to a DC bias voltage applied to the multipole arrangement. A superimposed varying electric field may be produced by superimposing an AC voltage upon the DC bias voltage.

Methods in mass spectrometry using collision gas as ion source

A mass spectrometry method comprising steps of generating an ion beam from an ion source; directing the ion beam into a collision cell; introducing into the collision cell through a gas inlet on the collision cell a charge-neutral analyte gas or reaction gas; ionizing the analyte gas or reaction gas in the collision cell by means of collisions between the analyte gas or reaction gas and the ion beam; transmitting ions from the ionized analyte gas or reaction gas from the collision cell into a mass analyzer; and mass analyzing the transmitted ions of the ionized analyte or reaction gas. The methods can be applied in isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine the isotope abundance or isotope ratio of a reaction gas used in mass shift reactions between the gas and sample ions, to determine a corrected isotope abundance or ratio of the sample ions.

Mass Spectrometer and Mass Spectrometry Method

Provided is a mass spectrometer including: a reaction chamber (132) into which a precursor ion is introduced; a radical generation part (54) configured to generate a known radical; a radical supply part (5) configured to react the precursor ion with the radical to generate fragment ions and an adduct ion; a measurement control part (63) configured to measure ions including the precursor ion, the fragment ions, and the adduct ion to obtain a mass spectrum; and an accurate mass estimation part (64) configured to specify a peak of the adduct ion by searching a predetermined mass range centered on a mass value obtained by adding a mass of an atom or molecule derived from the radical to a mass obtained from a peak of the precursor ion, and estimate an accurate mass of the precursor ion by subtracting an accurate mass of the atom or molecule from an accurate mass of the peak.

Способ и устройство

Method and apparatus

Mass spectrometer

A RF collision cell with a variable radial pseudo-potential field

A collision, fragmentation or reaction cell 4 is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes wherein a first RF voltage 7a is applied to an upstream group of electrodes and a second different RF voltage 7b is applied to a downstream group of electrodes. The radial confinement of parent ions entering the collision or fragmentation cell 4 is optimised by the first RF voltage applied to the upstream group of electrodes and the radial confinement of daughter or fragment ions produced within the collision or fragmentation cell 4 is optimized by the second different RF voltage applied to the downstream group of electrodes. Also disclosed is a RF multipole fragmentation cell comprising a plurality of electrodes, wherein an aspect ratio of said electrodes varies along the axial length of the device, and also a RF collision cell wherein the radial pseudo-potential field is temporally variable.

Fatty acid determination using desorption ionization

A method of determining the total fatty acids in a sample by generating sample ions from a sample containing esterified and free fatty acids using a desorption ionization source. The ions are then introduced into a mass spectrometer. Subsequently, fragmentation of the esterified fatty acids to free fatty acids is induced before or after introduction into the mass spectrometer. Finally the total fatty acids in the sample are determined. Optionally, the mass spectrometer operates in negative ionisation mode. Preferably, fragmentation is induced by the ionization source, the energy of which is sufficiently high to induce fragmentation of substantially all the esterified fatty acids to free fatty acids. Optionally, fragmentation is induced in a collision cell contained in the mass spectrometer, where the energy in the collision cell is sufficiently high to induce fragmentation of substantially all the esterified fatty acids to free fatty acids. Optionally, the sample can be a biological sample ...

Pre-filter fragmentation

A method of fragmenting ions is disclosed comprising providing a linear ion trap comprising: a first electrode set 4a, preferably in the form of a pre-filter quadrupole; a second electrode set, preferably an analytical quadrupole 4b, arranged downstream of the first; and a third electrode set, preferably a post-filter quadrupole 4c, arranged downstream of the second. A potential difference between at least some of the electrodes making up the first and second, and/or the second and third electrode sets is varied in order to accelerate ions and cause them to fragment through collisions with a gas provided within the ion trap. Preferably, the ions are accelerated into either the pre-filter or post-filter quadrupole devices to collide with gas flowing out of an upstream ion source (2, Fig. 1) or downstream collision cell 6 respectively. A pulsed gas source may also be used in order to temporarily increase the pressure within either the pre-filter or post filter section of the ion trap.

Fast modulation with downstream homogenisation

Control of gas flow

Mass spectrometer

Acceleration of decelerated ions and a reduction in the velocity dispersion width of decelerated ions are both achieved, whereby the sensitivity of detected ion sensitivity is improved and resolution is improved. The distance dx between at least one set of facing rod-shaped electrodes among rod-shaped electrodes (4-2-a) to (4-2-d) differs at the inlet part at which ions enter and the outlet part at which ions exit, and the distance dx between the at least one set of facing rod-shaped electrodes is gradually reduced or increased from the inlet part toward the outlet part.

Fast modulation with downstream homogenisation

Targeted mass analysis

Multi-reflection mass spectrometer

Mass spectrometer

FLYING TIME FLYING TIME MASS SPECTROMETER WITH COLLISION CELL

MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR ANALYSING MIXTURES OF SUBSTANCES

TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETER WITH OPEN STRUCTURE AC-ONLY ROD SECTIONS, AND METHOD OF OPERATING A MASS SPECTROMETER SYSTEM

A tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer system in which an AC-only section is close coupled with a standard AC-DC section with the rods of the two sections closely longitudinally adjacent each other. The rods of the AC-only section are of open structure, formed by thin wires, to allow gas to be introduced into the system and to escape through the open structure rods. The system is particularly suited for use with a tandem quadrupole system consisting of three sections, namely an AC-DC section, an AC-only section, and an AC-DC section all close coupled, with a target gas introduced into the AC-only section to induce CID of ions traveling through the system. In one arrangement the rods of the AC-only section have solid centre portions between which the target gas is introduced, and open structure end portions through which the target gas may flow away so that little of it enters the end AC-DC sections. In another embodiment, gas is beamed directly through a short open structure section by placing ...

MASS SPECTROMETER COMPRISING A RADIO FREQUENCY ION GUIDE HAVING CONTINUOUS ELECTRODES

The invention relates to a mass spectrometer, comprising an ion guide having a plurality of electrodes that are supplied with a radio frequency voltage to facilitate radial confinement of ions in an internal volume defined by inward facing surfaces of the electrodes, the internal volume including a first section having a variable radial diameter along a longitudinal axis of the ion guide, in which the electrodes are helically wound, and an adjacent second section having a substantially constant radial diameter along the longitudinal axis, wherein the electrodes extend from the first section to the second section continuously. The continuous nature of the ion guide electrodes facilitates in particular unhindered axial propagation of ions through the assembly and prevents ion losses during their transmission through different compartments of the mass spectrometer.

C PEPTIDE DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of C peptide in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying C peptide in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence or amount of C peptide in a sample by mass spectrometry.

METHOD FOR INCREASED RESOLUTION IN TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR ANALYSING MIXTURES OF SUBSTANCES

The invention relates to a mass spectrometry method for analysing mixtures of substances using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, whereby said mixtures of substances are ionised prior to analysis. The invention is characterised in that the method comprises the following steps: a) selection of a mass/charge quotient (m/z) of an ion created by ionisation in a first analytical quadrupole (I) of the mass spectrometer; b) fragmentation of the ion selected in step (a) by applying an acceleration voltage in an additional subsequent quadrupole (II), which is filled with a collision gas and acts as a collision chamber; c) selection of a mass/charge quotient of an ion created by the fragmentation process in step (b) in an additional subsequent quadrupole (III), whereby steps (a) to (c) of the method are carried out at least once; and d) analysis of the mass/charge quotients of all the ions present in the mixture of substances as a result of the ionisation process, whereby the quadrupole (II) ...

Tandem mass spectrometer with synchronized RF fields

A tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer system having first, second and third quadrupole sections close coupled in series with one another. AC-only is applied to the center section and conventional AC and DC voltages are applied to the two end sections. The AC applied to all three sections is synchronized in frequency. The AC phase shift between each section is of magnitude between 0 and 0.1 cycles in absolute value, preferably between 0 and 0.03 cycles in absolute value, and in the preferred embodiment the AC phase shift between each section is essentially zero. The sections are spaced apart longitudinally by a very short distance not exceeding ro, the radius of the inscribed circle within the quadrupole rods.

Parsing Events During MS3 Experiments

Systems and methods are provided for reducing the time period of a CID event of an MSexperiment and making the overall fragmentation event more generic. A CID event of an MSexperiment performed on a sample by a mass spectrometer is divided into two time periods using a processor. At the beginning of a first time period of the CID event, the mass spectrometer is instructed to both open a pulse valve in order to pulse a collision gas and apply a first CID voltage. At the beginning of a second time period of the CID event, the mass spectrometer is instructed to both close the pulse valve and apply a second CID voltage. The mass spectrometer is pumped down during the second time period. The overlap in time of the pump down and CID reduces the overall time period of the CID event. 1. A system for segmenting a collision-induced dissociation (CID) event of a mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS) experiment , comprising:{'sup': '3', 'a mass spectrometer that performs an MSexperiment on a sample;'}{'sup': '3', 'claim-text': at the beginning of a first time period of the CID event, instructs the mass spectrometer to both open a pulse valve in order to pulse a collision gas and apply a first CID voltage, and', 'at the beginning of a second time period of the CID event, instructs the mass spectrometer to both close the pulse valve and apply a second CID voltage, wherein the mass spectrometer is pumped down during the second time period allowing pump down and CID to overlap in time,', {'sup': '3', 'receives a plurality of second generation fragmentation spectra from the MSexperiment, and'}, 'selects second generation fragment ions from the plurality of second generation fragmentation spectra that have an intensity above a threshold intensity level and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) above a threshold S/N level for quantitation., 'a processor in communication with the mass spectrometer that divides a CID event of the MSexperiment into two time periods,'}2. The ...

Mass spectrometer

An electron capture dissociation device to implement a combination of electron capture dissociation and collision dissociation and a mass spectrometer with the use thereof are provided. This device includes a linear ion trap provided with linear multipole electrodes applied with a radio frequency electric field and wall electrodes that are arranged on both ends in the axis direction of the linear multipole electrodes, have holes on the central axis thereof, and generate a wall electric field by being applied with a direct-current voltage, a cylindrical magnetic field-generating unit that generates a magnetic field parallel to the central axis of the linear multipole electrodes and surrounds the linear ion trap, and an electron source arranged opposite to the linear multipole electrodes with sandwiching one of the wall electrodes. The electron generation site of the electron source is placed in the inside of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field-generating unit.

Mass spectrometer

This mass spectrometer is provided with an ion guide ( 37 ) having a multipole rod electrode ( 1 ), a power source unit ( 5 ) for applying voltage to the multipole rod electrode, and a control unit for controlling the power source unit, said mass spectrometer being characterised by the multipole rod electrode having a rod electrode divided into a plurality of segmented rods ( 2 A- 1, 2 A- 2, 2 B- 1, 2 B- 2, 2 C- 1, 2 C- 2, 2 D- 1, 2 D- 2 ) at mutually different positions in the axial direction. Thus enabled is low-cost, high-throughput analysis.

Tandem Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer and Method of Mass Spectrometry Using the Same

A tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer is offered which can perform MS/MS measurements efficiently without sample wastage by ingeniously combining flight time ranges required by precursor ions with measurement times actually taken to measure the precursor ions. The mass spectrometer has an array input means for causing the flight time ranges required by selected precursor ions and the actually taken measurement times in which the precursor ions are measured to be appropriately arrayed in a time-sequential manner such that the flight time ranges and measurement times do not overlap each other.

Electron Induced Dissociation Devices and Methods

A method and apparatus for conducting reactions between precursor ions and reagent ions, for example, a reaction between a precursor cation and an electron, such as ECD, are disclosed. The apparatus comprises first, second, and third pathways, each of which extends at least partially along a central axis, and wherein the second central axis is orthogonal to the first and third central axes. Charged species can be introduced into the second pathway as the ions are transmitted therethrough, thereby increasing precursor ion and charged species interaction without simultaneous trapping of the species. 1. An ion reaction apparatus , comprising:a first plurality of electrodes arranged to define a first pathway therebetween, the first pathway comprising a first axial end configured to receive ions from an ion source and a second axial end disposed at a distance from the first axial end of the first pathway extending at least partially along a first central axis;a second plurality of electrodes arranged to define a second pathway extending along a second central axis, said second pathway intersecting the first pathway at a first intersection point, the second central axis being substantially orthogonal to the first central axis;a third plurality of electrodes arranged to define a third pathway therebetween, the third pathway comprising a first axial end and a second axial end disposed at a distance from the first axial end of the third pathway to transmit at least one of ions and reaction products of said ions out of the ion reaction apparatus, said third pathway extending at least partially along a third central axis substantially orthogonal to the second central axis and intersecting the second pathway at a second intersection point spaced a distance apart from the first intersection point, wherein the first, second, and third plurality of electrodes are configured to couple to an RF voltage source that provides an RF voltage to each of electrodes of the first, second, ...

MASS SPECTROMETER COMPRISING A RADIO FREQUENCY ION GUIDE HAVING CONTINUOUS ELECTRODES

The invention relates to a mass spectrometer, comprising an ion guide having a plurality of electrodes that are supplied with a radio frequency voltage to facilitate radial confinement of ions in an internal volume defined by inward facing surfaces of the electrodes, the internal volume including a first section having a variable radial diameter along a longitudinal axis of the ion guide, in which the electrodes are helically wound, and an adjacent second section having a substantially constant radial diameter along the longitudinal axis, wherein the electrodes extend from the first section to the second section continuously. The continuous nature of the ion guide electrodes facilitates in particular unhindered axial propagation of ions through the assembly and prevents ion losses during their transmission through different compartments of the mass spectrometer. 1. A mass spectrometer , comprising an ion guide having a plurality of electrodes that are supplied with a radio frequency voltage to facilitate radial confinement of ions in an internal volume defined by inward facing surfaces of the electrodes , the internal volume including a first section having a variable radial diameter along a longitudinal axis of the ion guide , in which the electrodes are helically wound , and an adjacent second section having a substantially constant radial diameter along the longitudinal axis , wherein the electrodes extend from the first section to the second section continuously , the mass spectrometer further comprising first and second vacuum stages separated by a divider wall and held at different pressures , wherein the first and second sections are located substantially in the first and second vacuum stages , respectively , while the electrodes extend continuously through an opening in the divider wall.2. A mass spectrometer , comprising an ion guide having a plurality of electrodes that are supplied with a radio frequency voltage to facilitate radial confinement of ions in ...

Mass Spectrometer

Acceleration of decelerated ions and a reduction in the velocity dispersion width of decelerated ions are both achieved, whereby the sensitivity of detected ion sensitivity is improved and resolution is improved. The distance dx between at least one set of facing rod-shaped electrodes among rod-shaped electrodes (--) to (--) differs at the inlet part at which ions enter and the outlet part at which ions exit, and the distance dx between the at least one set of facing rod-shaped electrodes is gradually reduced or increased from the inlet part toward the outlet part. 1. A mass spectrometer , comprising:2n rod-like electrodes; and{'sub': 'RF', 'a control unit configured to apply a DC voltage U and a radio frequency voltage Vcos Ωt to the rod-like electrodes to generate a high-frequency multipole electric field equal to or more than a quadrupole electric field between the rod-like electrodes, whereina distance between at least a pair of facing rod-like electrodes of the rod-like electrodes at an entrance portion that ions enter is different from the distance at an exit portion from which ions are emitted; andthe distance between the at least pair of the facing rod-like electrodes is gradually reduced from the entrance portion toward the exit portion.2. A mass spectrometer , comprising:2n rod-like electrodes; and{'sub': 'RF', 'a control unit configured to apply a DC voltage U and a radio frequency voltage Vcos Ωt to the rod-like electrodes to generate a high-frequency multipole electric field equal to or more than a quadrupole electric field between the rod-like electrodes, whereina distance between at least a pair of facing rod-like electrodes of the rod-like electrodes at an entrance portion that ions enter is different from the distance at an exit portion from which ions are emitted; andthe distance between the at least pair of the facing rod-like electrodes is gradually increased from the entrance portion toward the exit portion.3. The mass spectrometer according to ...

Collision Cell for Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A method and apparatus for tandem mass spectrometry is disclosed. Precursor ions are fragmented and the fragments are accumulated in parallel, by converting an incoming stream of ions from an ion source () into a time separated sequence of multiple precursor ions which are then assigned to their own particular channel of a multi compartment collision cell (). In this manner, precursor ion species, being allocated to their own dedicated fragmentation cell chambers () within the fragmentation cell (), can then be captured and fragmented by that dedicated fragmentation chamber at optimum energy and/or fragmentation conditions.

COLLISION CELLS AND METHODS OF USING THEM

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to collision cells that comprise one or more integrated lenses. In some examples, a lens is coupled to two sections of a sectioned quadrature rod assembly, the lens comprising an aperture and a plurality of separate conductive elements disposed each one side of the lens, in which a respective disposed conductive element on one side of the lens is configured to electrically couple to a first, second, third, and fourth pole segments of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly. 1. An ion collision cell comprising:a sectioned quadrature rod assembly configured to provide a collision region between an upstream region and a downstream region, the sectioned quadrature rod assembly comprising first, second, third, and fourth pole segments in each section of the quadrature rod assembly; anda lens coupled to two sections of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly, the lens comprising an aperture and a plurality of separate conductive elements disposed on each side of the lens, in which a respective disposed conductive element on at least one side of the lens is configured to electrically couple to the first, second, third, and fourth pole segments of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly.2. The ion collision cell of claim 1 , further comprising a gas port fluidically coupled to the upstream region for introducing a gas into the assembled sections.3. The ion collision cell of claim 1 , in which the pole segments are curved.4. The ion collision cell of claim 1 , in which the sectioned quadrature rod assembly is curved through about 180 degrees when the sections are coupled to the lens.5. The ion collision cell of claim 1 , in which the separate conductive elements disposed on the lens are components of a printed circuit board.6. The ion collision cell of claim 5 , in which the printed circuit board is a 2-layer printed circuit board.7. The ion collision cell of claim 1 , in which the lens is operative as a gas restrictor.8. The ion ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCREENING A SAMPLE BASED ON MULTIPLE REACTION MONITORING MASS SPECTROMETRY

The invention generally relates to systems methods for screening a sample based on multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for screening a sample that involve ionizing a sample. Mass spectrometry is then used in order to monitor specific transitions connecting one or more ion pairs within the sample in order to generate a multidimensional chemical profile of the sample. Then, the multidimensional chemical profile of the sample is compared to a database of reference multidimensional chemical profiles, thereby screening the sample. Each reference multidimensional chemical profile is produced from a training set of data. 1. A method for screening a sample , the method comprising:ionizing a sample;monitoring by mass spectrometry specific transitions connecting one or more ion pairs within the sample in order to generate a multidimensional chemical profile of the sample; andcomparing the multidimensional chemical profile of the sample to a database of reference multidimensional chemical profiles, wherein each reference multidimensional chemical profile is produced from a training set of data, thereby screening the sample.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein ionizing is by an ambient ionization technique.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the ambient ionization technique is paper spray ionization or electrosonic spray ionization.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sample is a biological sample claim 1 , and the training set of data is from a population of patients with a known disease status.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the biological sample is a human tissue or body fluid sample.6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the human tissue or body fluid sample is a cerebrospinal fluid sample.7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the cerebrospinal fluid sample is screened for Parkinson's disease.8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the ...

MULTI-REFLECTION MASS SPECTROMETER

A multi-reflection mass spectrometer comprising two ion-optical mirrors, each mirror elongated generally along a drift direction (Y), each mirror opposing the other in an X direction and having a space therebetween, the X direction being orthogonal to Y; the mass spectrometer further comprising one or more compensation electrodes each electrode being located in or adjacent the space extending between the opposing mirrors; the compensation electrodes being configured and electrically biased in use so as to produce, in at least a portion of the space extending between the mirrors, an electrical potential offset which: (i) varies as a function of the distance along the drift length, and/or; (ii) has a different extent in the X direction as a function of the distance along the drift length. In a preferred embodiment the period of ion oscillation between the mirrors is not substantially constant along the whole of the drift length. 1. A multi-reflection mass spectrometer comprising two ion-optical mirrors , each mirror elongated generally along a drift direction (Y) , each mirror opposing the other in an X direction and having a space therebetween , the X direction being orthogonal to Y;the mass spectrometer further comprising one or more compensation electrodes each electrode being located in or adjacent the space extending between the opposing mirrors;the compensation electrodes being configured and electrically biased in use so as to produce, in at least a portion of the space extending between the mirrors, an electrical potential offset which:(i) varies as a function of the distance along the drift length, and/or;(ii) has a different extent in the X direction as a function of the distance along the drift length.2. The multi-reflection mass spectrometer of further comprising an ion injector located at one end of the ion-optical mirrors in the drift direction arranged so that in use it injects ions such that they oscillate between the opposing mirrors while proceeding ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROUPING PRECURSOR AND FRAGMENT IONS USING SELECTED ION CHROMATOGRAMS

LC/MS data generated by an LC/MS system is analyzed to determine groupings of ions associated with originating molecules. Ions are grouped initially according to retention time, for example, using retention time or chromatographic peaks in mass chromatograms. After initial groupings are determined based on retention time, ion peak shapes are compared to determine whether ions should be excluded. Ions having peak shapes not matching other ions, or alternatively a reference peak shape, are excluded from the group. 120-. (canceled)21. A method of LC/MS analysis of a complex sample , comprising:collecting LC/MS data using multiple alternating cycles of high-energy and low-energy fragmentation within a time scale of a chromatographic peak to obtain spectra from high-energy fragment ions and low-energy precursor ions associated with an originating molecule of the complex sample, wherein each of the ions of the spectra has a chromatographic retention time and a peak profile; andgrouping precursor ions and fragment ions that derive from a common originating molecule in response to a correspondence in the chromatographic retention times and one or more characteristics of the peak profiles of the precursor ions and fragment ions.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes a peak shape symmetry.23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes an apex retention time.24. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes a peak width.25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes a lift off time of initial detection.26. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes a touch down time of final detection.27. The method of claim 21 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the peak profiles includes a normalized slope.28. The method ...

Controlling Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange on a Spectrum by Spectrum Basis

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a liquid chromatography device for separating ions. A gas phase ion-neutral reaction device is arranged downstream to perform a gas phase ion-neutral reaction such as Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange. A control system is arranged to automatically and repeatedly switch the reaction device back and forth between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation at least some parent or precursor ions are caused to react within the reaction device and wherein in the second mode of operation substantially fewer or no parent or precursor ions are caused to react. 1. A mass spectrometer comprising:a first device for separating ions;a second device arranged to perform a gas phase ion-neutral reaction arranged downstream of said first device;a control system for controlling said second device; anda mass analyser;characterised in that:said control system is arranged and adapted to automatically and repeatedly switch said second device back and forth between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in said first mode of operation at least some parent or precursor ions are caused to react within said second device and wherein in said second mode of operation substantially fewer or no parent or precursor ions are caused to react.2. A mass spectrometer comprising:a first device for separating ions;a second device arranged to perform a gas phase ion-neutral reaction arranged downstream of said first device;a control system for controlling said second device; anda mass analyser;characterised in that:said control system is arranged and adapted to automatically and repeatedly switch said mass spectrometer back and forth between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in said first mode of operation at least some parent or precursor ions are caused to react within said second device and wherein in said second mode of operation parent or precursor ...

MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD, MASS SPECTROMETRY , AND MASS SPECTROMETRIC DATA PROCESSING PROGRAM

In a mass spectrometric method of the invention, a mass spectrometer () is used having a mass separation unit () before and after a collision cell () for fragmenting ions. When a product ion corresponding to a precursor ion set for a sample is selected by performing product ion scan with respect to the precursor ion, an exclusion range of mass-to-charge ratios is set based on information on non-selection ions input by a user, and a product ion that satisfies a predefined criterion is selected within a range of mass-to-charge ratios excluding the exclusion range in a product ion spectrum. According to the mass spectrometric method of the invention, product ions suited for measurement on a target compound can be selected. 1. A mass spectrometric method , using a mass spectrometer haying a mass separation unit before and after a collision cell for fragmenting ions , for selecting a product ion corresponding to a precursor ion set for a sample by performing product ion scan with respect to the precursor ion , the method comprising:a) setting one or a plurality of mass-to-charge ratios based on information on non-selection ions input by a user; andb) selecting a product ion that satisfies a predefined criterion within a range excluding the one or plurality of mass-to-charge ratios in a product ion spectrum obtained by the product ion scan.2. The mass spectrometric method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or plurality of mass-to-charge ratios are set as a range haying a width.3. The mass spectrometric method according to claim 2 , wherein the width is determined in accordance with a command input by the user.4. The mass spectrometric method according to claim 1 , wherein a number of product ions are selected claim 1 , the number being indicated by the command input by the user.5. A mass spectrometer haying a mass separation unit before and after a collision cell for fragmenting ions claim 1 , the mass spectrometer being for selecting a product ion corresponding to a ...

A DDA Experiment with Reduced Data Processing

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:performing a survey scan of a plurality of different types of parent or precursor ions, wherein said survey scan comprises analysing ion mobilities of the ions and mass analysing the ions;determining charge states of parent or precursor ions analysed in the survey scan based on their determined combinations of ion mobility and mass to charge ratio;selecting a parent or precursor ion for fragmentation or reaction; andfragmenting or reacting said selected ion, wherein the fragmentation or reaction conditions are selected from a plurality of different fragmentation or reaction conditions based upon the determined charge state of the selected ion.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method of mass spectrometry is a method of data dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said step of selecting a parent or precursor ion for fragmentation or reaction comprises selecting a parent or precursor ion based on its determined charge state.4. The method of claim 1 , comprising sequentially selecting and fragmenting or reacting different parent or precursor ions.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein any given selected ion is isolated from other ions before being subjected to said fragmentation or reaction.6. The method of claim 1 , comprising selecting an optimum fragmentation or reaction condition for the selected ion based upon the determined charge state of the ion; orwherein the step of fragmenting or reacting said ion comprises fragmenting said ion, and wherein a fragmentation energy with which the ion is fragmented is selected based upon the determined charge state of the selected ion.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of fragmenting or reacting the ion comprises fragmenting said ions by Collision Induced Dissociation (“CID”) claim 1 , and wherein a collision energy is selected based upon the determined charge state of the selected ...

RF ION GUIDE WITH AXIAL FIELDS

RF ion guides are configured as an array of elongate electrodes arranged symmetrically about a central axis, to which RF voltages are applied. The RF electrodes include at least a portion of their length that is semi-transparent to electric fields. Auxiliary electrodes are then provided proximal to the RF electrodes distal to the ion guide axis, such that application of DC voltages to the auxiliary electrodes causes an auxiliary electric field to form between the auxiliary electrodes and the ion guide RF electrodes. A portion of this auxiliary electric field penetrates through the semi-transparent portions of the RF electrodes, such that the potentials within the ion guide are modified. The auxiliary electrode structures and voltages can be configured so that a potential gradient develops along the ion guide axis due to this field penetration, which provides an axial motive force for collision damped ions. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a first rectilinear electrode extending along the ion guide axis, the first electrode configured to be connected to a DC voltage source, and', 'a second rectilinear electrode extending along the ion guide axis, the second electrode configured to be connected to a RF source, at least a portion of the second electrode being positioned between the first electrode and the ion guide axis, the second electrode defining a longitudinal elongated slot extending through a plane of the second electrode,', 'wherein a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode varies along the ion guide axis, and', 'wherein the RF ion guide is configured, during operation of the apparatus, to produce RF electric fields within a central portion of the RF ion guide throughout a region between the second electrode and the ion guide axis to radially confine ions, and', 'wherein the RF ion guide is configured, during operation of the apparatus, to generate a DC electric field at the RF ion guide axis that has a non-zero axial component throughout at ...

MASS SPECTROMETER AND CHROMATOGRAPH MASS SPECTROMETER

A mass spectrometer includes: a target compound input receiving section for receiving an input of one or more target compounds; a measurement execution section for reading MRM measurement conditions, including a plurality of MRM transitions, respectively corresponding to the one or more target compounds from a storage section, and measuring the sample under the MRM measurement conditions; a measured multi-MRM spectrum creation section for creating a measured multi-MRM spectrum indicating an intensity of product ions as a mass peak on a graph having mass-to-charge ratios of the product ions on one axis, the intensity of the product ions acquired by measuring the sample; and a similarity degree calculation section for obtaining for each of the target compounds, a degree of similarity between standard multi-MRM spectrum stored in the storage section and the measured multi-MRM spectrum. 1. A mass spectrometer provided with: a front mass separation section in which an ion having a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio is selected as a precursor ion among ions originating from a compound contained in a sample; a fragmentation section in which the precursor ion selected in the front mass separation section is fragmented into product ions; and a rear mass separation section in which the product ions generated in the fragmentation section are subjected to mass separation , and capable of performing an MSn analysis (where n is an integer equal to or greater than two) , the mass spectrometer comprising:a) a storage section for storing a plurality of MRM measurement conditions and a plurality of data sets of standard multi-MRM spectrums respectively corresponding to a plurality of compounds, wherein each of the plurality off MRM measurement conditions include a plurality of MRM transitions, each of the plurality of MRM transitions being a combination of the precursor ion and the product ions, and each of the plurality of data sets of standard multi-MRM spectrums represents a mass ...

MASS SPECTROMETER

A mass spectrometer including a memory unit storing information indicating combinations of precursor ions for CIDs in respective stages. If an MSspectrum on which CID is not performed is obtained during execution of an analysis, a precursor ion selector determines whether an ion registered as a precursor ion for the first-stage CID exists on the MSspectrum, based on the list held in the memory unit. If the ion exists, an MSanalysis in which the ion is set as a precursor ion is immediately executed. Subsequently, the precursor ion selector determines whether or not an ion registered as a precursor ion for the second-stage CID in association with the precursor ion for the first-stage CID exists on an MSspectrum. If the ion exists, an MSanalysis in which the ion is set as a precursor ion is immediately executed, so that an MSspectrum is acquired. 1. A mass spectrometer capable of an MSanalysis (whose n is any integer equal to or more than 3) involving a dissociation operation conducted in at least n−1 stages , the mass spectrometer having an automatic MSanalysis function of executing , given an MS(whose m is an integer) spectrum obtained through an MSanalysis , an operation of: selecting an ion that satisfy a predetermined condition as a precursor ion for an MSanalysis from the MSspectrum; and dissociating the precursor ion and performing a mass analysis , until a value of m becomes n−1 in order from 1 , the mass spectrometer comprising:{'sup': th', 'm+1, 'a) a precursor ion information memory unit for holding information on mass-to-charge ratios of precursor ions to be dissociated in first to mstages for the MSanalysis, in association with one another; and'}{'sup': n', 'n', '1', '2', '2', '2', '3, 'b) an analysis controller configured to acquire an MSspectrum by executing, up to the MSanalysis, an operation of: determining whether or not an ion that are held as a precursor ion to be dissociated in the first stage in the precursor ion information memory unit exist on ...

RF ION GUIDE WITH AXIAL FIELDS

RF ion guides are configured as an array of elongate electrodes arranged symmetrically about a central axis, to which RF voltages are applied. The RF electrodes include at least a portion of their length that is semi-transparent to electric fields. Auxiliary electrodes are then provided proximal to the RF electrodes distal to the ion guide axis, such that application of DC voltages to the auxiliary electrodes causes an auxiliary electric field to form between the auxiliary electrodes and the ion guide RF electrodes. A portion of this auxiliary electric field penetrates through the semi-transparent portions of the RF electrodes, such that the potentials within the ion guide are modified. The auxiliary electrode structures and voltages can be configured so that a potential gradient develops along the ion guide axis due to this field penetration, which provides an axial motive force for collision damped ions. 126.-. (canceled)27. An apparatus , comprising:an ion source;a mass analyzer; a first electrode extending along the ion guide axis, the first electrode configured to be connected to a voltage source, and', 'a second electrode extending along the ion guide axis, the second electrode configured to be connected to a RF source, a portion of the second electrode being positioned between the first electrode and the ion guide axis, the second electrode defining a longitudinal elongated slot, wherein during use of the apparatus, the RF ion guide produces RF electric fields within a central portion of the RF ion guide throughout a region between the second electrode and the ion guide axis to radially confine ions,, 'a RF ion guide positioned in an ion path between the ion source and the first mass analyzer, the RF ion guide having an ion guide axis extending between an input end of the RF ion guide and an exit end of the RF ion guide, the RF ion guide comprisingwherein the first and second electrodes are configured so that during operation of the apparatus, a DC electric ...

INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY (ICP-MS) WITH IMPROVED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE AND SIGNAL-TO-BACKGROUND RATIOS

In an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system, ions are transmitted into a collision/reaction cell. A DC potential is applied at an exit of the cell at a first magnitude to generate a DC potential barrier effective to prevent the ions from exiting the cell. The DC potential barrier is maintained during a confinement period to perform an interaction. After the confinement period, analyte ions or product ions are transmitted to a mass spectrometer by switching the exit DC potential to a second magnitude effective to allow the analyte ions or product ions to pass through the cell exit as a pulse. The analyte ions or product ions are then counted during a measurement period. The interaction may be ion-molecule reactions or ion-molecule collisions. 1. A method for operating a collision/reaction cell to suppress interferences in an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system , the method comprising:flowing ambient air into the collision/reaction cell;transmitting ions into the collision/reaction cell, wherein the ions comprise analyte ions;reacting the analyte ions with oxygen molecules of the ambient air to produce product ions, wherein the product ions are oxide ions, the reacting is done in the presence of interfering ions in the collision/reaction cell, and the interfering ions have a mass-to-charge ratio equal to a mass-to-charge ratio of the analyte ions;transmitting the product ions to a mass spectrometer; andoperating the mass spectrometer to measure the product ions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ambient air is unpurified prior to flowing the ambient air into the collision/reaction cell.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising claim 1 , before flowing the ambient air into the collision/reaction cell claim 1 , purifying the ambient air to remove or reduce the concentration of one or more components of the ambient air other than the oxygen molecules.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the transmitting of ions into the ...

Method of Localizing Lipid Double Bonds

A method of mass spectrometry for analysing lipids and similar biological molecules is disclosed. The lipid molecules may be ionised to form a plurality of lipid parent ions and subjected to photon-induced fragmentation to form a plurality of fragment or product ions. The position of one or more unsaturated bonds in the lipid molecules may be determined by mass analysing the fragment and product ions and analysing their intensity profile. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:ionising lipid molecules to form a plurality of lipid parent ions;subjecting said lipid parent ions to photon-induced fragmentation in order to cause said lipid parent ions to fragment to form a plurality of fragment or product ions;mass analysing said fragment or product ions; anddetermining the position of one or more unsaturated bonds in said lipid molecules by analysing an intensity profile of fragment or product ions that correspond with cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds from the end of a hydrocarbon chain of the lipid up to the position of an unsaturated bond within said chain.2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said fragment or product ions are multiply or substantially doubly charged.3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of subjecting said lipid parent ions to photon-induced fragmentation comprises directing photons emitted from an incoherent light source or non-laser light source onto said lipid parent ions.4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said lipid parent ions are caused to fragment via photon induced electron detachment.5. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said lipid molecules comprise one or more triglycerols claim 1 , glycerophospholiids claim 1 , sphingolipids claim 1 , fatty acids claim 1 , glycerolipids or saccharolipids.6. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising confining said lipid parent ions in an ion guide whilst subjecting said lipid parent ions to photon-induced fragmentation.7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. A method ...

Triple quadrupole mass spectrometer

Elements are arranged so that a straight ion-beam axis extending from an ion source through a first ion lens and a front-stage quadrupole mass filter and a straight ion-beam axis extending through the ion guide in a collision cell and a rear-stage quadrupole mass filter obliquely intersect with each other at a predetermined angle in a space between the front-stage quadrupole mass filter and the collision cell. Metastable helium molecules generated in the ion source may pass through the front-stage quadrupole mass filter but will be removed before reaching the exit of the collision cell. On the other hand, precursor ions which have passed through the front-stage quadrupole mass filter are made to bend along an inflected ion-beam axis under the influence of a direct-current electric field created by an entrance ion lens, to be efficiently introduced into the collision cell.

IN-SOURCE COLLISION-INDUCED HEATING AND ACTIVATION OF GAS-PHASE IONS FOR SPECTROMETRY

An electrode assembly is provided in a high sub-atmospheric pressure region of an ion source, between an ionization chamber and a vacuum region of a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or an ion mobility-mass spectrometer. The electrode assembly is spaced at a distance from an outlet of an ion transfer device. A voltage source imparts a potential difference between the ion transfer device and the electrode assembly to accelerate ions emitted from the outlet to a collision energy. The collision energy is effective to cause collisional heating of ions in the high sub-atmospheric pressure region without voltage breakdown. The collision energy may be set to cause unfolding of folded biomolecular ions and/or dissociation of ions. 1. An ion source , comprising:an atmospheric-pressure ionization chamber;a reduced-pressure chamber configured for maintaining a high sub-atmospheric pressure therein;an ion transfer device comprising an inlet in the ionization chamber and an outlet in the reduced-pressure chamber, and defining an ion path from the inlet to the outlet;an electrode assembly comprising at least a first electrode positioned in the reduced-pressure chamber at an outlet-electrode distance from the outlet; anda voltage source configured for imparting a potential difference between the ion transfer device and the electrode assembly to accelerate ions emitted from the outlet to a collision energy,wherein the collision energy is effective to cause collisional heating of ions in the reduced-pressure chamber without voltage breakdown.2. The ion source of claim 1 , wherein the reduced-pressure chamber is configured for maintaining the high sub-atmospheric pressure in a range from about 0.5 Torr to about 30 Torr.3. The ion source of claim 1 , wherein the outlet and the first electrode are positioned on an axis claim 1 , and the first electrode has a configuration selected from the group consisting of:the first electrode comprises a planar ...

MS/MS Analysis Using ECD or ETD Fragmentation

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a mixture of different analyte ions and supplying electrons or reagent ions to said mixture so as to transfer charge to the analyte ions. The transfer of charge causes at least some of the analyte ions to dissociate and others of the analyte ions not to dissociate, but to form intermediate ions of altered charge state. These intermediate ions are then isolated from other ions and excited so as to dissociate into daughter ions. The intermediate ions and their daughter ions are analysed and associated with each other so that the intermediate can be identified from their daughter ions. The analyte ions can then be identified from the intermediate ions, since they differ only in charge state. The disclosed method enables analyte ions to be associated with their fragment ions, and therefore identified, without having to isolate individual analyte ions prior to their interactions with the electrons or reagent ions. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:(a) providing a mixture of different analyte molecules or analyte ions;(b) supplying electrons or reagent ions to said mixture of different analyte molecules or analyte ions so as to transfer charge from said reagent ions or electrons to said analyte molecules or ions, said transfer of charge causing at least some of said analyte molecules or analyte ions to dissociate and others of said analyte molecules or analyte ions not to dissociate but to form intermediate ions of altered charge;(c) isolating at least some of said intermediate ions from other ions;(d) exciting at least some of the isolated intermediate ions so as to cause them to dissociate into daughter ions; and(e) mass analysing at least some of said intermediate ions or mass analysing at least some of said daughter ions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrons or reagent ions are supplied to the analyte molecules or analyte ions in an atmospheric pressure ion source or in an ion source ...

VITAMIN B2 DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of a vitamin B2 in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying vitamin B2 in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric techniques. 1. A method for determining the amount of vitamin B2 in a biological sample from a human , said method comprising:(a) adding an internal standard to the sample;(b) subjecting the sample to liquid chromatography;(c) ionizing vitamin B2 and the internal standard under conditions suitable to produce one or more ions detectable by tandem mass spectrometry;(d) determining the amount of said one or more ions by tandem mass spectrometry; and(e) comparing the amount of said one or more ions of vitamin B2 and said one or more ions of the internal standard to determine the amount of vitamin B2 in the sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are conducted with on-line processing.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said biological sample comprises plasma or serum.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry comprise one or more ions of vitamin B2 selected from the group consisting of ions with a mass to charge ratio of 377.2±0.5 and 243.2±0.5.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry comprise one or more ions of the internal standard selected from the group consisting of ions with a mass to charge ratio of 380.2±0.5 and 246.2±0.5.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liquid chromatography is a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liquid chromatography is a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method has a lower limit of quantitation within the range of 5 nmol/L and 25 nmol/L claim 1 , inclusive.9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising protein ...

Method of characterising molecules by ion-mobility spectrometry

A method of identifying and/or characterizing ions comprises separating analyte ions according to a first physico-chemical property (ion-mobility), selecting first ions of the analyte ions, and activating, fragmenting or reacting the first ions to produce first product ions, separating the first product ions according to the first physico- chemical property, and determining a pattern of the first product ions. The first ions are identified and/or characterized using the pattern of the first product ions.

HYBRID EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING SPECTROMETER

A hybrid extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imaging spectrometer includes: a radiation source to: produce EUV radiation; subject a sample to the EUV radiation; photoionize a plurality of atoms of the sample; and form photoions from the atoms subject to photoionization by the EUV radiation, the photoions being desorbed from the sample in response to the sample being subjected to the EUV radiation; an ion detector to detect the photoions: as a function of a time-of-arrival of the photoions at the ion detector after the sample is subjected to the EUV radiation; or as a function of a position of the photoions at the ion detector; an electron source to: produce a plurality of primary electrons; subject the sample to the primary electrons; and form scattered electrons from the sample in response to the sample being subjected to the primary electrons; and an electron detector to detect the scattered electrons: as a function of a time-of-arrival of the scattered electrons at the electron detector after the sample is subjected to the EUV radiation or the primary electrons; or as a function of a position of the scattered electrons at the electron detector. 1. A hybrid extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imaging spectrometer comprising: produce EUV radiation;', 'subject a sample to the EUV radiation;', 'photoionize a plurality of atoms of the sample with the EUV radiation; and', 'form photoions from the atoms subject to photoionization by the EUV radiation, the photoions being racliatively desorbed from the sample in response to the sample being subjected to the EUV radiation;, 'a radiation source to 'as a function of a time-of-arrival of the photoions at the ion detector after the sample is subjected to the EUV radiation; or', 'an ion detector to detect the photoionsas a function of a position of the photoions at the ion detector; produce a plurality of primary electrons;', 'subject the sample to the primary electrons; and', 'form scattered electrons from the sample in response to the sample ...

Method and apparatus for dipolar dc collisional activation of ions transmitted through an electrodynamic multipole device

A method of operating a quadrupole mass spectrometer is described where one of the stages thereof has a pairs of opposing rods and one of the pair of rods is operated with a zero voltage potential difference therebetween and the other of the pair of opposing rods is operated with a voltage potential difference therebetween. The potential field unbalance causes the analyte ions to deviate from the axial centerline of the stage so as to undergo additional RF heating. The stage is operated in a transmission mode and the resultant reaction products may be further processed in subsequent stages or output to a mass spectrometer.

TARGETED MASS ANALYSIS

A mass spectrometer comprises: an ion source that generates ions having an initial range of mass-to-charge ratios; an auxiliary ion detector, downstream from the ion source that receives a plurality of first ion samples derived from the ions generated by the ion source and determines a respective ion current measurement for each of the plurality of first ion samples; a mass analyser, downstream from the ion source that receives a second ion sample derived from the ions generated by the ion source and to generate mass spectral data by mass analysis of the second ion sample; and an output stage that establishes an abundance measurement associated with at least some of the ions generated by the ion source based on the ion current measurements determined by the auxiliary ion detector. 1. A mass spectrometer , comprising:an ion source, arranged to generate ions having an initial range of mass-to-charge ratios;an auxiliary ion detector, located downstream from the ion source and arranged to receive a plurality of first ion samples derived from the ions generated by the ion source and to determine a respective ion current measurement for each of the plurality of first ion samples;a mass analyser, located downstream from the ion source and arranged to receive a second ion sample derived from the ions generated by the ion source and to generate mass spectral data by mass analysis of the second ion sample, wherein the mass spectral data is used to control reaction conditions in a reaction cell upstream of the auxiliary detector; andan output stage, configured to establish an abundance measurement associated with at least some of the ions generated by the ion source based on the ion current measurements determined by the auxiliary ion detector.2. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 , further comprising:a mass filter, arranged upstream from the auxiliary ion detector and configured to receive ions generated by the ion source and to transmit ions having a reduced range of mass-to- ...

HYBRID MASS SPECTROMETER AND METHODS OF OPERATING A MASS SPECTROMETER

A hybrid mass spectrometer design and architecture, and methods of operating mass spectrometers are disclosed. According to one operating method, an analysis time is determined for each one of a plurality of ion species to be analyzed in an ordered sequence, and an injection time is calculated for at least some of the ion species based on an analysis time of a preceding ion species in the ordered list. The method enables more efficient utilization of analyzer time. 1. A mass spectrometer , comprising:an ion source for generating ions from a sample;a mass selector for receiving the ions from the ion source, and for selecting a subset of the ions for delivery to a gas-filled collision cell through a first end thereof;the collision cell including a multipole having a plurality of elongated electrodes extending from the first end of the multipole to a second end thereof;first and second mass analyzers;a controller, coupled to the collision cell, programmed with logic to selectably release ions from the first or second end of the collision cell, wherein the first mass analyzer receives ions released from the first end of the collision cell, and the second mass analyzer receives ions from the second end of the collision cell; andwherein neither the first nor the second mass analyzer is positioned in an ion path extending from the ion source to the collision cell.2. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 , wherein the mass selector includes a quadrupole mass filter.3. The mass spectrometer of claim 2 , wherein the first mass analyzer includes an electrostatic ion trap mass analyzer.4. The mass spectrometer of claim 2 , wherein the second mass analyzer includes a two-dimensional quadrupole ion trap mass analyzer.5. The mass spectrometer of claim 4 , wherein the controller is further programmed with logic to cause ions received by the second mass analyzer to be fragmented and the resultant product ions to be returned to the collision cell.6. A method of operating a hybrid mass ...

Hybrid Acquisition Method Incorporating Multiple Dissociation Techniques

A method is disclosed wherein parent or precursor ions are fragmented or reacted according to a first fragmentation or reaction mode, and when an ion of interest is detected the method then temporarily switches to a second mode of fragmentation or reaction. This enables a full un-biased MS/MS data set to be provided over a wide mass to charge ratio range with high-duty cycle, together with complementary detailed fragment data of interest, in a single experimental run or acquisition. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:mass filtering parent or precursor ions with a mass filter;transmitting the mass filtered parent or precursor ions into a fragmentation or reaction device operating in a first fragmentation or reaction mode;fragmenting or reacting the parent or precursor ions in the fragmentation or reaction device operating in the first fragmentation or reaction mode so as to produce first fragment or product ions;wherein the mass to charge ratio, or range of mass to charge ratios, of the parent or precursor ions transmitted by the mass filter is varied with time such that parent or precursor ions of different mass to charge ratios are fragmented or reacted by the first fragmentation or reaction mode at different times;monitoring for the detection of parent or precursor ions of interest and/or first fragment or product ions of interest, and wherein if parent or precursor ions of interest and/or first fragment or product ions of interest are detected then said method further comprises:halting the variation in the mass to charge ratios transmitted by the mass filter or otherwise operating the mass filter such that the mass to charge ratio, or range of mass to charge ratios, of the parent or precursor ions transmitted by the mass filter is static or remains constant for a first period of time; and thendirecting the parent or precursor ions transmitted by the mass filter during said first period of time into a fragmentation or reaction device operating in a second ...

Method Of Mass Spectrometry And A Mass Spectrometer

The present invention relates to a method of mass spectrometry, an apparatus adapted to perform the method and a mass spectrometer. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a method of mass spectrometry comprising the step of associating parent and fragmentation ions from a sample by measuring the parent and fragmentation ions from two or more different areas of the sample and identifying changes in the number of parent ions between the areas in the sample, and corresponding changes in the number of fragmentation ions between the two areas. 120-. (canceled)21. A method of mass spectrometry comprising the steps of:providing a sample;performing a method of analysis of parent analyte ions and fragment ions from a first area of the sample, comprising the steps of:exciting a first spot in the first area of the sample to produce a first set of parent analyte ions;determining quantities and mass to charge ratios of at least some of the ions in the first set of parent analyte ions;exciting a second spot in the first area of the sample to produce a second set of parent analyte ions;fragmenting at least a portion of the second set of parent analyte ions to produce a set of fragment ions;determining quantities and mass to charge ratios of at least some of the ions in the set of fragment ions from the second set of parent analyte ions;performing the method of analysis for at least a second area of the sample; andidentifying at least one ion from the set of fragment ions for which the changes in the quantity of any parent analyte ions in the first area and at least the second area do not correspond with changes in the quantity of the at least one fragment ion in the first area and at least the second area thereby providing an indication of potential parent analyte ions which are isomers or other ions of the same mass to charge ratio.22. The method as claimed in claim 21 , further comprising assigning at least one ion from the set of fragment ions ...

Two-Dimensional Fourier Transform Mass Analysis in an Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap

A mass spectrometer is operated to simultaneously measure precursor and production data over a number of acquisitions. For each acquisition, the following steps are performed. Ion transfer optics inject ions from an ion beam into an ELIT causing the ions to oscillate axially between two electric fields produced by two the sets of reflectrons. The ELIT measures a time domain image current of the oscillating ions from ion injection to a total acquisition time, Tacq1, and fragments the oscillating ions at one or both turning points of the oscillating ions adding product ions to the oscillating ions. The fragmentation is performed at a delay time relative to the ion injection that is increased by a time increment in each subsequent acquisition making the fragmentation dependent on ion position. The measured time domain image current is stored as a row or column of a two-dimensional matrix. 1. A system for controlling a mass spectrometer to simultaneously measure precursor and product ion data , comprising:an ion source device configured to ionize a sample and produce an ion beam;ion transfer optics;an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) that includes two sets of reflectrons, one or more pickup electrodes, and a fragmentation device; and controls the ion transfer optics to inject ions from the ion beam into the ELIT causing the ions to oscillate axially between two electric fields produced by the two the sets of reflectrons,', {'sub': acq1', 'acq1', 'act, 'controls the ELIT to measure a time domain image current of the oscillating ions from ion injection to a total acquisition time, T, using the one or more pickup electrodes and to perform position-dependent fragmentation of the oscillating ions within Tat one or both turning points of the oscillating ions adding product ions to the oscillating ions using the fragmentation device, wherein the fragmentation is performed at a delay time, t, relative to the ion injection that is increased by a time increment, Δt, in each ...

Optimizing Quadrupole Collision Cell RF Amplitude for Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A mass spectrometer includes a collision cell and a system controller. The collision cell includes a plurality of rod pairs configured to generate pseudopotential well through the application of radio frequency potentials to the rod pairs. The collision cell configured to generate a target fragment from a parent ion by colliding the parent ion with one or more gas molecules. The system controller is configured to set a radio frequency amplitude of the radio frequency potentials to a default amplitude; monitor the production of a target fragment ion while adjusting the collision energy; set the collision energy to optimize the production of the target fragment ion; apply a linear full range ramp to the radio frequency amplitude to determine an optimal radio frequency amplitude; and set the radio frequency amplitude to the optimal radio frequency amplitude for the parent ion, target fragment ion pair.

Using Theoretical Collision Cross Section ("CCS") In Sample Identification

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises predicting 1 one or more first reaction products which may result from subjecting an analyte to one or more reactions of interest, calculating 2 one or more first masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some first reaction product ions which may be generated from the one or more first reaction products under first conditions, and calculating one or more second masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some second reaction product ions which may be generated from the one or more first reaction products under second different conditions. The method further comprises generating third ions from a sample under the first conditions, generating fourth ions from the sample under the second conditions, experimentally determining 3 one or more third masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more third ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some of the third ions, and experimentally determining one or more fourth masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more fourth ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some of the fourth ions. The first, second, third and/or fourth mass or mass to charge ratios and/or the first, second, third and/or fourth ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections are compared 4 in order to confirm the presence and/or absence of one or more reaction products of interest in the sample. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:predicting one or more first reaction products which may result from subjecting an analyte to one or more reactions of interest;calculating one or more first masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more first ion mobility values, collision ...

Molecular Imaging of Biological Samples with Sub-Cellular Spatial Resolution and High Sensitivity

An apparatus for molecular imaging of biological samples includes a first optical port configured to receive a first pulsed optical beam that is directed in an optical path along an optical axis. A transparent target that include a first surface having an electrically conductive surface that supports a biological sample under analysis and a second surface is positioned in the optical path along the optical axis. A moveable target mount is configured to translate the transparent target to a plurality of predetermined locations. A first optical focusing element is configured to focus the first pulsed optical beam to a first predetermined diameter at the first surface of the transparent target. A second optical port is configured to receive a second pulsed optical beam that is directed in a second optical path along the optical axis. A second optical focusing element is configured to focus the second pulsed optical beam to a second predetermined diameter at the electrically conductive surface on the transparent target. A TOF mass spectrometer comprising an ion accelerator having a central axis that is substantially coaxial with the optic axis so that ions generated by the first and second pulsed optical beams are accelerated by the ion accelerator. A controller instructs the TOF mass spectrometer to acquire mass spectral data at the plurality of predetermined locations, thereby generating a molecular image of the biological sample under analysis.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING A GAS MIXTURE TO SELECT IONS

Certain configurations described herein are directed to mass spectrometer systems that can use a gas mixture to select and/or detect ions. In some instances, the gas mixture can be used in both a collision mode and in a reaction mode to provide improved detection limits using the same gas mixture. 1. A system configured to permit switching of a cell between at least two modes comprising a collision mode and a reaction mode to select ions received by the cell , the system comprising:a cell configured to receive a gas mixture comprising a binary gas mixture in the collision mode to pressurize the cell and configured to receive the same gas mixture comprising the binary gas mixture in the reaction mode to pressurize the cell; anda processor electrically coupled to the cell, the processor configured to provide a voltage to the pressurized cell comprising the gas mixture in the collision mode to facilitate the transmission of select ions with an energy greater than an energy barrier induced by the provided first voltage, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a second voltage to the pressurized cell comprising the gas mixture in the reaction mode to guide select ions into a mass filter fluidically coupled to the cell.2. The system of claim 1 , in which the processor is further configured to permit switching of the cell to a vented mode.3. The system of claim 1 , in which the system further comprises a single gas inlet fluidically coupled to the cell to provide the gas mixture comprising the binary gas mixture.4. The system of claim 3 , in which the cell comprises a multipole rod set comprising of 2 claim 3 , 4 claim 3 , 6 claim 3 , 8 claim 3 , or 10 rods.5. The system of claim 4 , in which the cell further comprises an exit member positioned proximate to an exit aperture of the cell and electrically coupled to a voltage source claim 4 , the exit member configured to direct analyte ions in the pressurized cell toward the exit aperture of the cell.6. The ...

MASS SPECTROMETER

An elemental mass spectrometer uses a mass filter to select ions from ions received from an ion source and transmit the selected ions. A reaction or collision cell receives the transmitted ions and reacts or collides these with a gas to provide product ions thereby. A mass analyzer receives the product ions, analyzes them and provides at least one output based on detection of the analyzed ions. The elemental mass spectrometer is operated to provide a first output from the mass analyzer measuring ions within a first analysis range of mass-to-charge ratios including a desired mass-to-charge ratio, M, to provide a second output from the mass analyzer measuring ions within a second analysis range of mass-to-charge ratios including a mass-to-charge ratio at least 0.95 atomic mass units lower than the desired mass-to-charge ratio, (M−i), i≧0.95 and to correct the first output on the basis of the second output. 1. An elemental mass spectrometer , comprising:an ion source for generating ions;a mass filter, arranged to receive ions generated by the ion source, to select ions of a filter range of mass-to-charge ratios from the received ions and to transmit the selected ions;a reaction or collision cell, configured to receive ions transmitted by the mass filter and to react or collide the received ions with a gas and provide product ions thereby;a mass analyzer, arranged to receive the product ions from the reaction or collision cell, to analyze the received ions within one or more analysis ranges of mass-to-charge ratios and to provide at least one output based on detection of the analyzed ions; anda controller, configured to operate the elemental mass spectrometer, so as to provide a first output from the mass analyzer measuring ions within a first analysis range of mass-to-charge ratios including a desired mass-to-charge ratio, M, to provide a second output from the mass analyzer measuring ions within a second analysis range of mass-to-charge ratios including a mass-to- ...

IONIZATION FOR TANDEM ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY

An ion-mobility spectrometer system includes a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end, and a drift region defined along a longitudinal axis through the housing between the upstream and downstream ends. A first ionizer is operatively connected the housing to supply ions at the upstream end. A second ionizer is operatively connected to the housing to supply ions at the upstream end, wherein the first and second ionizers are both situated upstream of the drift zone relative to an ion flow path through the drift zone. An electric field generator is operatively connected to the housing to drive ions through the drift zone in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end. The second ionizer is a radioactive ionizer mounted to the housing at the upstream end positioned to direct irradiated ions into the housing. 1. An ion-mobility spectrometer system , comprising:a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end, and a drift region defined along a longitudinal axis through the housing between the upstream and downstream ends; a first ionizer operatively connected the housing to supply ions at the upstream end; and', 'a second ionizer operatively connected to the housing to supply ions at the upstream end, wherein the first and second ionizers are both situated upstream of the drift zone relative to an ion flow path through the drift zone;, 'a tandem ion source at the upstream end of the housing, wherein the tandem ion source includesan electric field generator operatively connected to the housing to drive ions through the drift zone in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end; anda detector mounted at the downstream end of the housing for detecting ions from the drift zone reaching the detector, wherein the second ionizer is a radioactive ionizer mounted to the housing at the upstream end positioned to direct irradiated ions into the housing.2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first and second ionizers are both located ...

OPTIMIZED STEPPED COLLISION ENERGY SCHEME FOR TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

A method for mass spectrometry comprises: receiving or generating a respective value of an optimal collision energy for generating each one of a plurality of n product-ion species of interest from at least one precursor-ion species, each optimal collision energy corresponding to a respective maximum fragmentation efficiency; determining a number, m, wherein m Подробнее

Method for simultaneous multicomponent analysis using mass spectrometry and mass spectrometer

In a simultaneous multicomponent analysis for a number of target compounds, an MRM transition which does not give the highest signal intensity but gives a lower signal intensity is selected for a compound having a high measurement sensitivity or a compound having a high measurement target concentration. If the signal intensity is still high, the level of collision energy (CE) is changed from an optimum level. The MRM transition, CE level and other measurement conditions determined for each compound in this manner are stored in a compound-related information storage 41. In the process of preparing a control sequence for the simultaneous multicomponent analysis, the measurement conditions stored in the storage section 41 are used. The use of those conditions prevents the saturation of the signal for a high-concentration compound while ensuring a sufficiently high level of sensitivity for a low-concentration compound.

MASS SPECTROMETRY APPARATUS AND MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD

According to an embodiment, a mass spectrometry apparatus includes a beam irradiator, a laser irradiator, a mass spectrometer and a controller. The beam irradiator irradiates a sample with an ion beam. The laser irradiator irradiates a space above the sample with laser light. The mass spectrometer performs mass spectrometry of an ionized particle. The controller controls at least one of the laser irradiator and the mass spectrometer on the basis of an analysis result of the mass spectrometer. 1. A mass spectrometry apparatus comprising:a beam irradiator to irradiate a sample with an ion beam;a laser irradiator to irradiate a space above the sample with laser light;a mass spectrometer to perform mass spectrometry of an ionized particle; anda controller to perform a control operation of controlling at least one of the laser irradiator and the mass spectrometer on the basis of at least one analysis result of the mass spectrometer.2. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe beam irradiator repeats an irradiation mode of irradiation with the ion beam and a non-irradiation mode of no irradiation with the ion beam, andthe controller performs the control operation on the basis of the analysis results in the irradiation mode and in the non-irradiation mode.3. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe controller calculates a mass resolution between kinds of particles on the basis of the analysis result, and performs the control operation on the basis of the calculated mass resolution.4. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe mass spectrometer includes an electrode disposed along a trajectory of the particle, andthe controller controls a voltage applied to the electrode by the control operation.5. The mass spectrometry apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe laser irradiator includes a lens to condense the laser light, andthe controller controls a position of the lens or a delay time from an ...

Excitation of Reagent Molecules Withn a RF Confined Ion Guide or Ion Trap to Perform Ion Molecule, Ion Radical or Ion-Ion Interaction Experiments

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an RF ion guide or ion trap and a device arranged and adapted to supply a reagent gas within the RF ion guide or ion trap. The mass spectrometer further comprises a photo-ionisation device and a control system arranged and adapted: (i) to cause first ions to fragment or dissociate within the RF ion guide or ion trap to form second ions and neutral molecules; and (ii) to cause the photo-ionisation device to photo-ionise and/or photo-excite the reagent gas to form reagent ions, excited species or radical species. The reagent ions, excited species or radical species interact with at least some of the neutral molecules located within the RF ion guide or ion trap to form analyte ions. 1. A mass spectrometer comprising:an RF ion guide or ion trap;a device arranged and adapted to supply a reagent gas within said RF ion guide or ion trap;a photo-ionisation device; anda control system arranged and adapted:(i) to cause first ions to fragment or dissociate within said RF ion guide or ion trap to form second ions and neutral molecules; and(ii) to cause said photo-ionisation device to photo-ionise or photo-excite said reagent gas to form reagent ions, excited species or radical species, wherein said reagent ions, excited species or radical species interact with at least some of said neutral molecules located within said RF ion guide or ion trap to form analyte ions.2. A mass spectrometer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said excited species comprise excited neutral atoms claim 1 , excited neutral molecules claim 1 , excited metastable atoms or excited metastable molecules.3. A mass spectrometer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said reagent ions claim 1 , excited species or radical species interact with at least some of said neutral molecules such that either: (i) energy claim 1 , protons or electrons are transferred or exchanged between said reagent ions claim 1 , excited species or radical species and said neutral molecules so as to ...

Top Down Protein Identification Method

Systems and methods described herein can provide for “top down” mass spectrometric analysis of proteins or peptides in a sample using ExD, in some aspects via direct infusion of the sample to the ion source without on-line LC separation, while deconvoluting the ambiguity in the ExD spectra generated by impure samples. For example, methods and systems in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings can utilize patterns in charge-reduced species following ExD to correlate the ExD fragments with their precursor ions in order to more confidently identify the precursor ion from which the detected product ions originated. 1. A method of processing a sample , comprising:utilizing an ion source to generate a plurality of precursor peptide or protein ions from a sample solution containing at least one peptide or protein;scanning a mass range of the precursor ions using a plurality of m/z isolation windows;subjecting the precursor ions within each of the m/z isolation windows to an ExD reaction;detecting product ions resulting from each of the ExD reactions so as to generate a plurality of ExD spectra corresponding to each of the m/z isolation windows, wherein at least a first ExD spectra corresponding to a first m/z isolation window exhibits one or more ExD fragment ions and one or more charge reduced species of the precursor ions within the first m/z isolation window; anddetermining a precursor charge state and a molecular weight for one or more species of the precursor ions within the first m/z isolation window at least partially based on a m/z of the said one or more species of precursor ions within the first m/z isolation window and a m/z of the one or more charge reduced species of the precursor ions.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising introducing the sample solution to the ion source via direct infusion.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the m/z isolation windows has a range of about 1 Da.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first ExD ...

Collision Cell Multipole

Mass spectrometer collision/reaction cell multipole and method. The multipole may have first and second portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, the first and second portions operating at first and second q values lower than a third q value at the intermediate portion. A low-mass cut-off of the multipole may be controlled by varying a q value from a first to at least a second value. The multipole may have multipole electrodes disposed about a central axis and having a respective first portion, second portion, and intermediate portion therebetween which is radially closer to the central axis. This offers relatively high acceptance and ion transmission, while providing low-mass cut-off for removing undesired/interfering ions and helping reduce background count. 1. A method of operating a multipole in a collision cell , the multipole comprising a first portion , a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween , the method comprising the step of operating the first and second portions at respective first and second q values lower than a third q value at the intermediate portion.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multipole has a length and defines a central axis and the q value is varied by changing a radial distance of the multipole from the central axis along its length.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the multipole comprises a first portion claim 2 , a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween and the intermediate portion of the multipole is radially closer to the central axis than the first portion and the second portion.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multipole comprises a first portion claim 1 , a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween claim 1 , further comprising receiving ions into the first portion of the multipole claim 1 , transmitting at least some of the received ions through the intermediate portion with a relatively smaller inner multipole radius claim 1 , and passing at least some of the ...

TANDEM QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETER

Prior to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) measurement condition optimization, an analysis operator prepares, for each precursor ion of an objective compound, two lists on a product-ion selection condition setting screen , i.e. a list which shows ions to be preferentially selected as product ions for which the optimization needs to be performed and a list which shows ions to be excluded from the optimization. When a measurement is performed, a product-ion scan measurement for the precursor ion of the objective compound is performed and a spectrum is obtained. Among the ions extracted from this spectrum, any ion registered in the excludable-ion list is excluded, while any ion registered in the preferred-ion list is preferentially selected as a product ion. For each combination of the m/z values of the precursor ion and the product ions thus determined, optimum conditions of the MRM measurement are searched for. 1. A tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer having front-stage and rear-stage quadrupole mass filters with a collision cell for fragmenting an ion in between , the tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer having a function of performing a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) measurement condition optimization for searching for an optimum MRM measurement condition for one or a plurality of compounds while conducting an MRM measurement of a sample , and the tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer comprising:a) a preferred ion registry for registering a mass-to-charge ratio of one or a plurality of product ions to be preferentially selected as a target, for each precursor ion, as a measurement condition for optimizing the MRM measurement condition; andb) an MRM measurement condition optimizer for performing the MRM measurement condition optimization for a target precursor ion originating from one compound by retrieving information about a preferred product ion for the precursor ion from the preferred ion registry, and if the preferred product ion is detected as a product ion ...

Methods and Apparatus for Tandem Collision-Induced Dissociation Cells

A mass spectrometer system comprises: (a) an ion source; (b) a mass filter; (c) a mass analyzer; (d) a partitioned ion fragmentation cell configured to receive ions from the mass filter and to outlet fragment ions to the mass analyzer comprising: (d1) a set of multipole rod electrodes; a housing enclosing the set of multipole rod electrodes and comprising an ion inlet and an ion outlet; (d2) a set of partitions within the housing separating the housing interior into a plurality of compartments; and (d3) a plurality of gas inlets, each gas inlet fluidically coupled to a source of a collision gas and to a respective compartment and having a respective inlet shutoff valve; and (e) a controller electrically coupled to each inlet shutoff valve and configured to independently control the pressure of collision gas within each compartment. 1. A mass spectrometer system comprising:an ion source configured to receive a sample from a sample inlet;a mass filter configured to receive the ions from the ion source;a mass analyzer including a detector configured to separate ions in accordance with their mass-to-charge ratios and detect the separated ions; a set of multipole rod electrodes;', 'a housing enclosing the set of multipole rod electrodes and comprising a housing interior, an ion inlet and an ion outlet;', 'a set of partitions within the housing separating the housing interior into a plurality of compartments, each partition comprising an aperture disposed along an ion pathway between the ion inlet and ion outlet; and', 'a plurality of gas inlets, each gas inlet fluidically coupled to a source of a collision gas and to a respective compartment and having a respective inlet shutoff valve;, 'a partitioned ion fragmentation cell configured to receive ions from the mass filter and to outlet fragment ions to the mass analyzer, the partitioned ion fragmentation cell comprisingat least one radio-frequency (RF) voltage source electrically coupled to the set of multipole rod ...

Analysis Method for Glycoproteins

A mass isolation device selects a precursor ion of a sample that has been digested using a protease. A first fragmentation device fragments the precursor ion using collision-induced dissociation (CID), and the resulting product ions are analyzed using a mass analyzer producing a CID spectrum. A list of theoretical candidate glycopeptide sequences is determined from CID spectrum. The mass isolation device again selects the precursor ion of the sample. A second fragmentation device fragments the precursor ion using electron-based dissociation (ExD), and the resulting product ions are analyzed using the mass analyzer producing a CID spectrum. For each sequence of the list, the sequence is computationally fragmented, producing theoretical fragments, mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) values are calculated for the theoretical fragments, and the sequence is scored using c and z fragment matching rules. The highest scoring sequence is identified as a peptide sequence of a glycopeptide of the sample. 1. A system for operating tandem mass spectrometer to identify a peptide sequence of a glycopeptide of a sample , comprising:an ion source device adapted to receive and ionize a sample that has been digested using a protease, producing an ion beam;a mass isolation device of a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) adapted to select precursor ions from the ion beam of the ion source device;a first fragmentation device of the MS/MS adapted to fragment selected precursor ions using collision-induced dissociation (CID) and to produce product ions;a second fragmentation device of the MS/MS adapted to fragment selected precursor ions using electron-based dissociation (ExD) and to produce product ions;a mass analyzer of the MS/MS adapted to mass analyze product ions from the first or second fragmentation device and produce a product ion spectrum; anda processor in communication with that tandem mass spectrometer that(i) instructs the mass isolation device to select at least one precursor ion from a ...

Structural elucidation of intact heavy molecules and molecular complexes in mass spectrometers

The invention relates to mass spectrometric analyses of heavy molecules and molecular complexes having molecular weights sometimes well above 100,000 daltons, by collision treatment in linear RF multipole collision cells. A mixture of at least one light collision gas (<40 daltons) and at least one heavy collision gas (>80 daltons) is provided in a linear RF collision cell. The heavy collision gas results in high-momentum and high-energy collisions, which leads to splitting and further fragmentation of portions of the heavy molecular (complex) ions. For this purpose, the molecular (complex) ions are axially injected into the collision cell at kinetic energies of several hundred electronvolts per charge; due to the collisions with the heavy collision gas molecules they are deflected from the axis and excited to undergo strong oscillations in the radial direction in the focusing RF field. The light collision gas serves in turn for damping these oscillations.

Plasma-based electron capture dissociation (ecd) apparatus and related systems and methods

An electron capture dissociation (ECD) apparatus includes a plasma source for generating plasma. Analyte ions are exposed to the plasma in an ECD interaction region, either inside or outside the plasma source. The apparatus may include one or more devices for refining the plasma in preparation for interaction with the analyte ions. Refining may entail removing unwanted species from the plasma, such as photons, metastable particles, neutral particles, and/or high-energy electrons unsuitable for ECD, and/or controlling a density of low-energy electrons in the plasma.

Interference Suppression in Mass Spectrometer

A method of operating a collision cell ( 10 ) in a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The collision cell comprises an entrance aperture ( 116 ), an exit aperture ( 117 ) and electrodes ( 113, 114 ) for producing electric fields. The method comprises feeding ions in a forward axial direction (LD) through the entrance aperture into the collision cell, producing a first electric field to trap ions, and subsequently producing a second electric field to accelerate trapped ions in the forward axial direction. The method further comprises producing a gas flow (G 1 ) which is, at least at the entrance aperture ( 116 ) of the collision cell, contrary to the forward axial direction (LD), so as to reduce the kinetic energy of ions in dependence on their collisional cross sections. A collision cell arranged for carrying out the method is also disclosed, as well as a mass spectrometer comprising such a collision cell.

Methods For Analysis of Lipids Using Mass Spectrometry

A method and apparatus for analyzing samples using mass spectrometry are disclosed. The apparatus includes a reaction device configured to dissociate sample ions into fragments by reacting the sample ions with a charged species (e.g., electrons) such as through ECD, EID, or EIEIO. The kinetic energy of the charged species is such that the fragments may be detected and produce spectra that allow for the determination of isomeric species in the sample and the location of double bonds of sample molecules. The fragments may include radical fragments and non-radical fragments. The apparatus may also include an oxygen gas source configured to react with the radical fragments to produce oxygen-radical fragments. Spectra resulting from analysis of the fragments may allow for the determination of the oxygen-radical fragments resulting from the dissociation of the sample molecules. 1. A method for analyzing a sample containing or suspected of containing at least one lipid using a mass spectrometer , the method comprising:ionizing the sample to form a plurality of parent ions;performing an electron dissociation reaction to fragment at least a portion of the plurality of parent ions into a plurality of daughter ions, the electron dissociation reaction comprising irradiating the plurality of parent ions with a charged species; wherein the dissociation reaction is configured to allow distinguishing mass signatures of two isomeric species of said at least one lipid; anddetecting at least a portion of the plurality of daughter ions at a detector of the mass spectrometer to form at least one spectrum for mass analysis of the sample.2. A method for analyzing a sample containing or suspected of containing at least one lipid using a mass spectrometer , the method comprising:ionizing the sample to form a plurality of singly-charged precursor ion species;performing an ion-electron reaction to fragment at least a portion of the plurality of precursor ion species into a plurality of ...

Inline Ion Reaction Device Cell and Method of Operation

A method and apparatus for conducting ion to charged species reactions, more particularly reactions wherein the charged species is an electron, such as ECD. The apparatus comprises first and second pathways which are orthogonal to one another. The first pathway through which ions are introduced comprises multiple multipoles with a gap situated there between. The second pathway introduces the charged species through the gap orthogonally to the first pathway. In this way, a cross-type reaction device allows ion-charged species interactions to occur. 1. A reaction apparatus for ions comprising:a first pathway comprising a first axial end and a second axial end disposed at a distance from the first pathway axial end along a first central axis;a second pathway comprising a first axial end and a second axial end disposed at a distance from the first axial end of the second pathway along a second central axis;said first and second central axis being substantially orthogonal to one another and having an intersection point;a first set of quadrupole electrodes arranged in a quadrupole orientation around said first central axis and disposed between said first axial end of said first pathway and said intersection point, said first set of electrodes for guiding ions along a first portion of said first central axis;a second set of quadrupole electrodes arranged in a quadrupole orientation around said first central axis and disposed between said second axial end of said first pathway and said intersection point, said second set of electrodes for guiding ions along a second portion of said first central axis;the first set of electrodes being separated from the second set of electrodes so as to form a gap transverse to said first central axis;a voltage source for providing an RF voltage to said first and second sets of electrodes to generate an RF field;a controller for controlling said RF voltages;an ion source disposed at or proximate either the first or second axial end of said ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY AND BY ACTIVATING IONISED MOLECULAR SPECIES

Disclosed is a system and method of mass spectrometry, including: a. ionising an analyte to form a precursor ion (A) having a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), in which m represents the mass and z the electric charge number; b. activating the precursor ion (A) by interaction with a beam of neutral species, ions, electrons or photons, having an energy chosen on the basis of the physicochemical properties of the precursor ion, the activation being suitable for producing a product ion (B, C) having the same mass m as the precursor ion (A) and an electric charge number z′ such that z′ is a non-zero integer different from z; c. separating the product ion (B, C, E, F) having a predefined mass-to-charge ratio (m/z′); d. detecting the product ion (B, C) having the predefined mass-to-charge ratio (m/z′). 1. A method for mass spectrometry measurement of molecular species in a complex mixture , the method comprising the following steps:a. ionising an analyte in complex mixture to form a precursor ion (A, D) of an ionised species of interest and at least one interfering ion coming from the complex mixture, the precursor ion (A, D) of said ionised species of interest and said at least one interfering ion having a same mass-to-charge ratio m/z, where m represents the mass and z the electric charge number of the precursor ion (A, D) of said ionised species of interest;b. activating the precursor ion (A, D) of said ionised species of interest and of the at least one interfering ion of same mass-to-charge ratio, by interaction with a beam of neutral species, ions, electrons or photons, having a predetermined energy as a function of the energy of ionisation of the precursor ion (A, D) of said ionised species of interest or of the energy required for the detachment of electron from the precursor ion (A, D) of said ionised species of interest, said activation being adapted to produce a product-ion (B, C, E, F), by charge transition with no fragmentation of the precursor ion (A, D) of said ...

Method of MS/MS Mass Spectrometry

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising alternating between a first mode in which parent ions are mass analysed and a second mode in which the parent ions are subjected to Electron Capture Dissociation (“ECD”) at atmospheric pressure so as to produce fragment ions which are then mass analysed. The parent ions are associated with their fragment ions based on the times at which they were detected. This method enables parent ions to be associated with their fragment ions, even when the ECD fragmentation is performed at atmospheric pressure. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:(i) providing a plurality of different parent ions;(ii) mass analysing said parent ions so as to obtain first mass spectral data;(iii) subjecting said parent ions to Electron Capture Dissociation (“ECD”) or Electron Transfer Dissociation (“ETD”) at atmospheric pressure to produce fragment or product ions;(iv) mass analysing said fragment or product ions so as to obtain second mass spectral data;(v) wherein the parent ions are intermittently and repeatedly subjected to said ECD or ETD such that the method repeatedly alternates between steps (ii) and (iv); and(vi) associating parent ions detected in said first mass spectral data with fragment or product ions detected in said second mass spectral data.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein parent ions in any given set of first mass spectral data are associated with fragment ions in a set of second mass spectral data that is obtained immediately before or immediately after said given set of first mass spectral data is obtained.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method alternates between steps (ii) and (iv) at a rate such that each species of parent ion in said plurality of different parent ions is subjected to both said steps (ii) and (iv).4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the plurality of different parent ions comprises providing different parent ions that are spatially separated from each other such that ...

MS/MS MASS SPECTROMETRIC METHOD AND MS/MS MASS SPECTROMETER

When, in performing MS/MS analysis on a multivalent ion originated from a target component, an analyzing operator inputs at least two values of a mass value mof an eliminated fragment, a valence zof the eliminated fragment, a valence zof a precursor ion and a valence zof a product ion by an inputting unit, a valence calculating unit calculates an uninput valence zor zbased on the relation, z=z+z. Upon the start of the MS/MS analysis, a precursor ion m/z setting unit sets m/z=Mof an ion that passes through a front-stage quadrupole mass filter , and a passed product ion m/z calculating unit calculates m/z=Mof the product ion that passes through a rear-stage quadrupole mass filter by applying M, m, zand zabove to the relational expression, M=(M×z−m)/z. 1. An MS/MS mass spectrometer including an ionizing unit for ionizing a target component in a sample , a first mass separating unit for selecting , as a precursor ion , an ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio from multivalent ions , the multivalent ion having a valence of two or more out of ions originated from the target component , a dissociation operation unit for dissociating the precursor ion selected by the first mass separating unit , a second mass separating unit for selecting a product ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio from product ions generated through the dissociation , and a detecting unit for detecting the ion selected by the second mass separating unit , the MS/MS mass spectrometer comprising:{'sub': 'Loss', 'a) a first inputting unit for allowing a user to input and set a mass mof a fragment eliminated from the precursor ion through the dissociation;'}{'sub': Loss', 'Prec', 'Prod', 'Loss, 'b) a second inputting unit for allowing the user to input and set at least two of three parameters of a valence zof the fragment, a valence Zof the precursor ion and a valence zof the product ion, the valence zof the fragment being a valence of the fragment eliminated from the precursor ion through the ...

Photo-Dissociation of Proteins and Peptides in a Mass Spectrometer

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising directing first photons from a laser onto ions located within a 2D or linear ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the first photons is scanned and first photons and/or second photons emitted by the ions are detected. The ions are then mass analysed using a Time of Flight mass analyser. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:subjecting biomolecular ions to Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange to form first ions; and thencausing said first ions to at least partially unfold or alter their conformation to form second ions by either:(i) subjecting said first ions or ions derived from said first ions to IR, visible or UV photo-activation; and/or(ii) exposing said first ions or ions derived from said first ions to acidic vapours or supercharging said ions; and/or(iii) subjecting said first ions or ions derived from said first ions to IR, visible or UV photo-dissociation2. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:causing biomolecular ions to at least partially unfold or alter their conformation to form first ions by either:(i) subjecting said biomolecular ions or ions derived from said biomolecular ions to IR, visible or UV photo-activation; and/or(ii) exposing said biomolecular ions or ions derived from said biomolecular ions to acidic vapours or supercharging said ions; and/or(iii) subjecting said biomolecular ions or ions derived from said biomolecular ions to IR, visible or UV photo-dissociation; and thensubjecting said first ions to Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange to form second ions.3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of subjecting said biomolecular ions or first ions to photo-dissociation results in cleaving one or more disulfide bonds in said ions.4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of subjecting said biomolecular ions or first ions to photo-dissociation comprises fragmenting said ions.5. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising fragmenting at least some of said second ions ...

Mass spectrometer and mass spectrometric method

A mass spectrometry using helium as cooling gas is performed to obtain a first mass spectrum (S 1 ), and another mass spectrometry using argon, which is heavier than helium, as cooling gas is performed to obtain a second mass spectrum for the same sample (S 2 ). Due to the difference between the two gases in terms of the effect of promoting dissociation of modifications, an ion peak originating from a target compound from which all the modifications have been dissociated will appear with a higher intensity on the second mass spectrum. The peak patterns of the two mass spectra are compared to locate the all-dissociated ion peak while excluding unnecessary peaks (S 3 ). Based on that peak, the assignment of each peak is determined (S 4 ). Such a method is effective for enhancing the accuracy of the determination of the assignment of the peaks on the mass spectra and for improving the accuracy of identification or structural analysis in the case of a mass spectrometry of a compound to which an easily dissociable modification, such as a Sialylated glycosylated peptide, is bonded.

Mass Spectrometer

A sampling period of an A/D converter is set in accordance with an ion pulse ejection operation of a collision cell of an accumulation type. Start timing of the sampling period is changed in accordance with a selected m/z of a second mass analysis unit. In addition, end timing of the sampling period may be changed in accordance with the selected m/z of the second mass analysis unit. In place of the sampling period, a data cut-out period may be changed. 1. A mass spectrometer comprising:an accumulation unit that accumulates ions, and ejects the accumulated ions;a mass analysis unit that causes, among the ions ejected from the accumulation unit, ions having a selected mass-to-charge ratio to pass therethrough;a detector that detects the ions having passed through the mass analysis unit;a sampling circuit that samples an output signal from the detector;a data processing unit that is provided in a post stage of the sampling circuit; anda control unit that controls, in accordance with the selected mass-to-charge ratio, a data capturing period when data to be processed by the data processing unit is delimited.2. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adjusts the data capturing period to the period of valid data that is derived from the ions having the selected mass-to-charge ratio.3. The mass spectrometer according to claim 2 , wherein the data capturing period is at least one among a detection operation period of the detector claim 2 , a sampling operation period of the sampling circuit claim 2 , and a period when data to be processed by the data processing unit is cut out from data output from the sampling circuit.4. The mass spectrometer according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit adjusts the data capturing period to the period of valid data claim 2 , by increasing a delay time at start timing in the data capturing period with an increase in the selected mass-to-charge ratio.5. The mass spectrometer according to claim 3 , wherein the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF SELENIUM AND SILICON IN SAMPLES

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for improved detection and/or quantification of selenium (Se) and/or silicon (Si) in samples. In certain embodiment, the methods and systems feature the use of carbon dioxide (CO) as a reaction gas in a reaction cell chamber, such as a dynamic reaction cell (DRC), of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). It is found that the use of COas a reaction gas effectively eliminates (or substantially reduces) interfering ionic species for the analytes Se and Si, particularly in samples with complex matrices, and/or in samples with low levels of analyte, thereby enabling more accurate detection of analyte at lower detection limits and in samples having complex matrices. 1. A method for producing a stream of ions for detection and/or quantification of selenium (Se) in a sample , the method comprising: [{'sup': '+', '(i) one or more analyte ionic species, said one or more analyte ionic species being an ionized form of one or more species of interest present in the sample, said one or more species of interest comprising selenium, and said one or more analyte ionic species comprising Se; and'}, {'sup': '+', '(ii) one or more interferer ionic species, said one or more interferer ionic species having nominal m/z substantially equivalent to that of Se;'}], 'introducing a sample to an ionization source, thereby producing an ionized sample stream comprising a plurality of ionic species, said plurality of ionic species comprising{'sub': 2', '2, 'admitting the ionized sample stream into a chamber to thereby contact the ionized sample stream with a reaction gas stream comprising CO, thereby reacting the COwith at least one of the one or more interferer ionic species and producing one or more products that are not interferer ionic species; and'}{'sub': '2', 'following contact of the ionized sample stream with the reaction gas stream comprising CO, directing the resulting product stream to a mass analyzer and detector ...

METHOD FOR CHARACTERISING IONS

A method for characterising ions includes trapping a first-generation ions in an ion trap; cooling the plurality of first-generation ions; photo-fragmenting the plurality of cooled first generation ions to obtain a plurality of second-generation ions, the second-generation ions being different to the first-generation ions, the plurality of second-generation ions being at least of one first type; selecting the first type of second-generation ions in the ion trap by ejecting, out of the trap, any residual first-generation ion and any second-generation ion of a type different from the first type; cooling the second-generation ions of the first type selected and trapped in the trap; photo-fragmenting the cooled second-generation ions of the first type to obtain a plurality of third-generation ions, the plurality of third-generation ions being different from the plurality of second-generation ions, the plurality of third-generation ions being at least of one first type; detecting the plurality of last-generation ions. 1. A method for characterising ions comprising:trapping a plurality of first-generation ions in an ion trap;cooling the plurality of first-generation ions trapped in the ion trap;photo-fragmenting the plurality of cooled first-generation ions to obtain a plurality of second-generation ions, the plurality of second-generation ions being different to the plurality of first-generation ions, the plurality of second-generation ions being at least of one first type;selecting the first type of second-generation ions in the ion trap by ejecting, out of the ion trap, any residual first-generation ion and any second-generation ion of a type different to the first type;cooling the second-generation ions of the first type selected and trapped in the ion trap;photo-fragmenting the cooled second-generation ions of the first type to obtain a plurality of third-generation ions, the plurality of third-generation ions being different to the plurality of second-generation ...

TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETER AND MASS SPECTROMETRIC METHOD

An ion trap is provided between a collision cell and a time-of-flight mass separator. During a time period in which precursor ions derived from the same compound are selected with a quadrupole mass filter, a collision energy is changed from one to another. Various product ions that are produced by dissociation respectively under collision energies of the plurality of stages and precursor ions that are not dissociated are temporarily trapped in the ion trap, and are ejected in a packet form in the state where these ions are mixed, and are introduced into the time-of-flight mass separator 6 to be subjected to a mass spectrometry. Thereby, in a data processing unit, one MS/MS spectrum in which product ions produced in various dissociation modes under various CID conditions appear is created. 1. A tandem mass spectrometer including an ion source that ionizes a compound in a sample , a first mass separating unit that selects an ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio in various produced ions as a precursor ion , an ion dissociating unit that dissociates the precursor ion , and a second mass separating unit and a detector that perform a mass spectrometry of various product ions that are produced by the dissociation , the tandem mass spectrometer comprising:a) an ion mixing unit that is placed between the ion dissociating unit and the second mass separating unit, and adjusts traveling of ions so that ions are mixed together at least at a time point when the ions are introduced into the second mass separating unit, with respect to various ions ejected from the ion dissociating unit at different timings;b) an analysis controlling unit that switches a condition under which the ion is dissociated in the ion dissociating unit from one to another, and controls an operation of the ion mixing unit so that the ions ejected from the ion dissociating unit during a time period of the switch are mixed together at least at the time point when the ions are introduced into the second ...

Mass Spectrometer

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a time of flight mass analyser. The time of flight mass analyser comprises an ion guide comprising a plurality of electrodes which are interconnected by a series of resistors forming a potential divider. Ions are confined radially within the ion guide by the application of a two-phase RF voltage to the electrodes. A single phase additional RF voltage is applied across the potential divider so that an inhomogeneous pseudo-potential force is maintained along the length of the ion guide. 1. A time of flight analyser comprising:an ion guide comprising a plurality of electrodes;a device for confining ions radially within said ion guide;an ion detector for detecting ions leaving the ion guide;a device for applying a time varying inhomogeneous axial electric field along at least a portion of an axial length of said ion guide to urge ions through the ion guide in a first direction;further comprising at least one of:(i) a device arranged and adapted for maintaining a substantially constant DC voltage gradient along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion guide for urging the ions; and/or(ii) a device arranged and adapted to apply one or more transient DC voltages or potentials, or one or more transient DC voltage or potential waveforms, to at least some of the electrodes along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion guide for urging the ions; and/or(iii) a device arranged and adapted to flow a collision, background or other gas through the ion guide for urging the ions;wherein the analyser is arranged and adapted ions to cause the ions to separate temporally through said ion guide and arrive at the ion detector at different times that are based on their mass to charge ratios and/or ion mobilities.2. The time of flight analyser of claim 1 , wherein the substantially constant DC voltage gradient urges the ions in a second direction opposite to the first direction.3. The time of flight analyser of claim 1 , wherein ...

Methods and Apparatus for Tandem Collision-Induced Dissociation Cells

A method for operating a mass spectrometer so as to detect or quantify analytes, comprises: (a) identifying a selected-reaction-monitoring (SRM) transition to be used for each respective analyte; (b) determining a time duration required for a fragmentation reaction corresponding to each identified transition to proceed to a threshold percentage of completion; and (c) for each analyte, performing the steps of (i) isolating ions corresponding to a precursor-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio of the respective transition; (ii) fragmenting the respective isolated ions in one of two fragmentation cells or fragmentation cell portions; and (ii) mass analyzing for fragment ions corresponding to a product-ion m/z ratio of the respective transition, wherein, for each analyte, the fragmentation cell or fragmentation cell portion that is used for fragmenting the isolated ions is determined from the time duration determined for the respective analyte. 1. A method for operating a mass spectrometer so as to detect a presence of or a quantity of each of one or more analytes of a sample , comprising:(a) for each of the one or more analytes, identifying one or more selected-reaction-monitoring (SRM) transitions to be used for detecting the presence or quantity of the respective analyte;(b) for each of the one or more identified SRM transitions, determining a time duration required for a fragmentation reaction corresponding to the respective SRM transition to proceed to a certain threshold percentage of completion;(c) ionizing the sample in an ionization source of the mass spectrometer so as to produce one or more populations of first-generation ions; and (d1) isolating a sub-population of a one of the one or more populations of first-generation ions corresponding to a precursor-ion mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio associated with the respective SRM transition;', '(d2) fragmenting the respective isolated sub-population of ions in a one of two fragmentation cells of the mass spectrometer so as ...

Method and Apparatus for the Analysis of Molecules Using Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy

A method of analyzing molecules, comprising: generating ions from a sample of molecules; cooling the generated ions below ambient temperature; fragmenting at least some of the cooled ions by irradiating the ions with light at a plurality of different wavelengths (λ) within one or more predetermined spectral intervals; recording a fragment mass spectrum of the fragmented ions comprising a detected signal (I) versus m/z over a predetermined range of m/z values for each of the plurality of different wavelengths (λ), thereby recording a two-dimensional dependency of the detected signal (I) on m/z and irradiation wavelength (λ); and determining from the recorded two-dimensional dependency an identity of at least one of the generated ions and/or relative abundances of different generated ions and thereby determining an identity of at least of one of the molecules and/or relative abundances of different molecules in the sample.

Mass Spectrometer

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a time of flight mass analyser. The time of flight mass analyser comprises an ion guide comprising a plurality of electrodes which are interconnected by a series of resistors forming a potential divider. Ions are confined radially within the ion guide by the application of a two-phase RF voltage to the electrodes. A single phase additional RF voltage is applied across the potential divider so that an inhomogeneous pseudo-potential force is maintained along the length of the ion guide.

METHOD AND KIT FOR DETERMINING METABOLITES ON DRIED BLOOD SPOT SAMPLES

A method for individuating with high sensitivity and specificity ADA metabolites from dried blood spot. The method described herein can be used to extract Adenosine and Deoxyadenosine from a sample under conditions that permit concurrently extracting other metabolites, such as amino acids, free carnitine, or acylcarnitines. For example, harsh extraction conditions (such as extreme acidity and high temperature) can be avoided. The method can be used, along with other neonatal screenings, on blood samples and preferably on dried blood spots (Guthrie cards) and more preferably on Guthrie cards obtained in the II-IV day of life. The method is reliable and reproducible, easy to perform and gives a definitive response within a short time (1-2 days). One or more kits for use in the method of the disclosure are also described. 2. The kit according to claim 1 , wherein the container containing Adenosine and Deoxyadenosine as control and/or ribosine-1-C-Adenosine and C-Deoxyadenosine further contains one or more additional control or internal standard selected in the group consisting of amino acids claim 1 , acylcarnitines and free carnitine.3. The kit according to claim 1 , wherein said monoalcohol is methanol.4. The kit according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one dried blood spot useful as a control claim 1 , wherein said dried blood spot is enriched with Adenosine and Deoxyadenosine at known concentrations.5. The kit according to claim 4 , wherein said dried blood spot is further enriched claim 4 , at known concentrations claim 4 , with one or more metabolites selected in the group consisting of purines claim 4 , pyrimidines claim 4 , amino acids claim 4 , acylcarnitines claim 4 , free carnitine and any combinations of the foregoing.6. The kit according to claim 1 , wherein Adenosine and Deoxyadenosine are provided in an amount of 0.1-5 mmol.7. The kit according to claim 1 , further comprising a container containing a solvent solution wherein the solvent is ...

METHODS OF VALIDATING CANDIDATE COMPOUNDS FOR USE IN TREATING COPD AND OTHER DISEASES

The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating elastin fiber injuries. In additional preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of validating candidate compounds for use in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory asthma, and other related diseases. Examples of such methods include determining if the candidate compound decreases the degradation of elastic fiber in a patient administered the candidate compound by measuring, using mass spectrometry employing an internal standard, a marker of elastic fiber degradation in a sample of a body fluid or a tissue of the patient. The invention provides that a decrease in the presence of the marker compared to a control validates that the candidate compound is effective to treat, prevent, or ameliorate the disease. 1. A method of validating whether a candidate compound is effective to treat , prevent , or ameliorate the effects of a disease characterized by elastic fiber injury comprising determining if the candidate compound decreases the degradation of an elastic fiber in a patient administered the candidate compound by measuring , using mass spectrometry employing an internal standard , a marker of elastic fiber degradation in a sample of a body fluid or a tissue of the patient , wherein a decrease in the presence of the marker compared to a control validates that the candidate compound is effective to treat , prevent , or ameliorate the disease.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic fiber injury is elastin degradation.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) claim 1 , COPD with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) claim 1 , chronic bronchitis claim 1 , emphysema claim 1 , and refractory asthma.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the disease is COPD.5. The method according to claim 1 , ...

Gas flow control

The present invention relates to a gas inlet system for an analytical apparatus. The gas inlet system comprises switchable flow restrictions for regulating gas flow rate. The invention also provides a system for calibrating gas flow rate in gas inlet systems, the system comprising a calibration line that comprises a gas flow meter, and that is arranged downstream of gas flow controllers in the gas inlet system. Methods of adjusting gas flow rates and methods of calibrating gas flow rates are also provided.

SEGMENTED LINEAR ION TRAP FOR ENHANCED ION ACTIVATION AND STORAGE

A linear ion trap includes at least two discrete trapping regions for processing ions and at least one gas pulse valve for applying pulses of gas to dynamically control pressure in the at least two discrete trapping regions. A RF electrical potential generator produces two RF waveforms, each applied to a pair of pole electrodes of the linear ion trap forming a RF trapping field component to trap ions radially. A multi-output DC electrical potential generator produces multiple DC field components superimposed to the RF trapping field component and distributed across the length of the linear ion trap to control ions axially. A control unit is configured to switch the DC electrical potentials and corresponding DC field components collectively forming a first trapping region of the at least two discrete trapping regions that is populated with ions to alter ion potential energy from a first level to a second level, and to enable at least a first ion processing step in at least one of the first and second levels. 1. A linear ion trap comprising:at least two discrete trapping regions for processing ions;at least one gas pulse valve for applying pulses of gas to dynamically control pressure in the at least two discrete trapping regions;a RF electrical potential generator for producing two RF waveforms, each applied to a pair of pole electrodes of the linear ion trap forming a RF trapping field component to trap ions radially;a multi-output DC electrical potential generator producing multiple DC field components superimposed to the RF trapping field component and distributed across the length of the linear ion trap to control ions axially; anda control unit configured to switch the DC electrical potentials and corresponding DC field components collectively forming a first trapping region of the at least two discrete trapping regions that is populated with ions to alter ion potential energy from a first level to a second level, and to enable at least a first ion processing ...

Mass spectrometer

Provided is a mass spectrometer capable of easy exchange of a measurement sample and suppressing a carryover. The mass spectrometer includes a mass spectrometry section, an ion source the internal pressure of which is reduced by a differential pumping from the mass spectrometry section and the ion source ionizes the sample gas, a sample container in which the sample gas is generated by vaporizing the measurement sample, a thin pipe that introduces the sample gas generated in the sample container into the ion source, an elastic tube of openable and closable that connects the sample container and the thin pipe, a pair of weirs that closes or opens the elastic tube so as to sandwich the elastic tube, and a cartridge that integrates the sample container, the thin pipe, and the elastic tube, and is detachable in a lump from a main body of the mass spectrometer.

Tof ms detection system with improved dynamic range

Apparatus and method are proposed for the strong improvement of dynamic range (DR) of detectors and of data systems for time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF MS) with periodically repetitive signals. TOF separated ions are converted into secondary particles, primarily electrons, and the flow of secondary particles is controllably attenuated to sustain the data acquisition system in a counting mode above the electronic noise threshold. The acquisition time is split between at least two time segments, characterized by alternated transmission efficiency SE of secondary particles. Using strong electron suppression (SE«1) is employed for recording intense ion peak, while counting ions with either ADC, or TDC, or ADC with extracting peak centroids. A longer time segment employs an efficient electron transfer (SE=1) for detecting weak ion species. In another independent aspect, an ion-optical element is provided upstream of the ion detector and is configured to deflect, reflect or retard ions such that ions that have been scattered or fragmented in the time of flight region do not impact on the ion detector.

Method for analysis of sample and apparatus therefor

A thermal analysis step, a molecule ionization step and a molecular structure analysis step are executed in parallel to a temperature increasing step. In the molecule ionization step, component molecules contained in gas evolved from a sample S due to temperature increase are ionized, and in the molecular structure analysis step, any selected ion out of molecular ions obtained in the molecule ionization step is dissociated to generate fragment ions corresponding to the structural factors of the molecule, and the structure of the molecule is analyzed on the basis of the fragment ions.

ION TRANSPORT APPARATUS AND MASS SPECTROMETER USING THE SAME

Within an intermediate vacuum chamber next to an ionization chamber maintained at atmospheric pressure, an electrode group of a radio-frequency carpet composed of a plurality of concentrically arranged ring electrodes is placed before a skimmer, with its central axis coinciding with that of an ion-passing hole. Each ring electrode has a circular radial sectional shape. Radio-frequency voltages with mutually inverted phases are applied to the ring electrodes neighboring each other in the radial direction. Additionally, a different level of direct-current voltage is applied to each ring electrode to create a potential which is sloped downward from the outer ring electrode to the inner ring electrode. The circular cross section of the electrode produces a steep pseudo-potential near the electrode and thereby increases the repulsive force which acts on the ions to repel them from the electrode. 1. An ion transport apparatus for transporting ions to a subsequent stage while trapping the ions by an effect of an electric field , comprising:a) an electrode group composed of a plurality of ring electrodes arranged in a substantially concentric pattern around an aperture for sending the ions to the subsequent stage, each ring electrode having a radial sectional shape in which at least a portion facing a side from which the ions arrive has a curved shape or a quasi-curved shape formed by a chain of line segments; andb) a voltage application unit for applying voltages to each of the ring electrodes included in the electrode group, in such a manner as to apply two radio-frequency voltages whose phases are inverted from each other by 180 degrees to any two ring electrodes neighboring each other in a radial direction among the plurality of ring electrodes, and simultaneously, to apply a different level of direct-current voltage to each of the ring electrodes so as to form a direct-current potential gradient which urges the ions from an outer ring electrode to an inner ring ...

TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETER

The present triple quadrupole mass spectrometer determines the relationship between a parameter, such as the mass-to-charge ratio of a precursor ion or that of a product ion, and the optimal collision-gas pressure giving the highest signal intensity in an MRM measurement, derives an approximate equation expressing that relationship, and stores the information representing the equation in an optimum collision-gas pressure calculation information storage section. When a measurement is to be performed, an analysis operator enters the mass-to-charge ratio of a precursor ion or product ion of a target compound. Based on the approximate equation read from the storage section, an optimum collision-gas pressure calculator determines the optimum collision-gas pressure for the specified precursor ion or product ion, and sets this pressure as a measurement condition for the apparatus. 1. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer having: a front quadrupole mass filter for selecting , as a precursor ion , an ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio from among various ions; a collision cell for dissociating the precursor ion by making this ion collide with a predetermined collision gas; a rear quadrupole mass filter for selecting an ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio from among various product ions produced by the dissociation; and a detector for detecting the selected product ion , the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer comprising:a) a prior information storage section in which information showing a relationship between an optimum collision-gas pressure giving a highest or nearly highest level of detection sensitivity and at least one parameter is previously stored, the one parameter selected from a group consisting of a mass-to-charge ratio of the precursor ion, a mass-to-charge ratio of the product ion, a sum of the mass-to-charge ratio of the precursor ion and the mass-to-charge ratio of the product ion, as well as a collision energy; andb) an optimum gas pressure ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ION FILTER OF A MASS SPECTROMETER

An ion filter for a mass spectrometer, the apparatus compr sing an ion inodifier; an ion selector configured to select a subset of a sample of ions based on their mobility in a gas; and a controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the ions selected by the ion selector to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to Coutput the ions selected by the ion selector;wherein the ion filter is adapted for providing output ions from the ion modifier to an in-take of a mass spectrometer. 1. An ion filter apparatus for a mass spectrometer , the apparatus comprising:an ion modifier comprising two electrodes, the electrodes comprising conductors arranged across the direction of travel of ions;an ion selector comprising a first ion gate and a second ion gate, configured to select a subset of a sample of ions based on their mobility in a gas; anda controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the ions selected by the ion selector to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the ions selected by the ion selector;wherein the ion filter includes an outlet, the outlet adapted for providing output ions from the ion modifier to an intake of a mass spectrometer, wherein the ion selector is separated from the outlet by the ion modifier.2. An ion filter apparatus for a mass spectrometer , the apparatus comprising:an ion selector comprising a first ion gate and a second ion gate;an ion modifier comprising two electrodes, the electrodes comprising conductors arranged across the direction of travel of ions, the ion modifier arranged to receive a sample of ions; anda controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the sample of ions to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the sample of ions;wherein the ion selector is configured to select a subset of ions ...

Tandem Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Non-Uniform Sampling

A method and apparatus are disclosed for parallel all-mass tandem mass spectrometry employing multi-reflecting time-of-flight analyzer for both MS stages, preferably arranged within the same analyzer to secure ultra-high resolution. Sensitivity and speed of TOF-TOF tandem are enhanced by non-redundant multiplexing based on signal sparseness and on avoiding repetitive signal overlaps at multiple repetitions of true fragment signals. Non-redundant matrices of gate and delay timing are constructed by extending orthogonal Latin square matrices. The method is generalized for multiplexing of any multiple repetitive signal sources being sparse either spectrally, or spatially, or in time.

Methods of Ultraviolet Photodissociation for Mass Spectrometry

A method is described that involves simplification of UVPD mass spectra and comprises selecting precursor ions for UVPD fragmentation, performing UVPD fragmentation on selected precursor ions to give UVPD fragment ions. PTR may then be performed on the UVPD fragment ions with optional ion parking to yield charge-state reduced UVPD fragment ions. The UVPD-PTR steps may be repeated above n times where n=1 to 50. Ion parking may enhance the intensity of selected lower fragment ion charge states or to increase the intensity of peaks in selected m/z ranges. After a number of PTR-UVPD iterations, fragment ions are mass analyzed. The method provides a way of simplifying UVPD mass spectral product ions by lowering fragment ion charge states and spreading out resulting product ions in m/z mass spectral space when compared to using UVPD fragmentation alone. 1. A method of producing product ions for mass analysis , comprising:(a) selecting precursor ions for UVPD fragmentation;(b) performing UVPD fragmentation on the selected precursor ions to give UVPD fragment ions;(c) performing a PTR on the UVPD fragment ions to yield charge-state reduced UVPD fragment ions;(d) repeating steps (b) and (c) above n times where n=1 to 50; and,(e) mass analyzing the charge-state reduced UVPD fragment ions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor ions are selected by a quadrupole mass filter.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor ions are selected in a quadrupole ion trap device.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the precursor ions are selected in a linear quadrupole ion trap device.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein steps (a) through (c) are repeated n times where n=1 to 25.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein steps (a) through (c) are repeated n times where n=1 to 10.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein steps (a) through (c) are repeated n times where n=1 to 5.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor ions are intact proteins.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ...

VITAMIN B2 DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of a vitamin B2 in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying vitamin B2 in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric techniques. 1. A method for determining the amount of vitamin B2 in a biological sample from a human , said method comprising:(a) purifying the sample by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC);(b) ionizing vitamin B2 by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode to produce one or more ions detectable by tandem mass spectrometry;(c) determining the amount of said one or more ions by mass spectrometry; and(d) determining the amount of vitamin B2 in the sample from the amount of said one or more ions of vitamin B2 in step (c), wherein said method has a lower limit of quantitation within the range of 5 nmol/L and 25 nmol/L, inclusive.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said HPLC and mass spectrometry are conducted with on-line processing.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said biological sample comprises plasma or serum.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry comprise one or more ions of vitamin B2 selected from the group consisting of ions with a mass to charge ratio of 377.2±0.5 and 243.2±0.5.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the HPLC is a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising protein precipitation.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein an acid is used for precipitating protein. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/289,307, filed Feb. 28, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/534,661, filed Nov. 6, 2014, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 14/268,771, filed 5/2/2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,916,817, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/793,701, filed Mar. 11, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8, ...

COLLISION CELLS AND METHODS OF USING THEM

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to collision cells that comprise one or more integrated lenses. In some examples, a lens is coupled to two sections of a sectioned quadrature rod assembly, the lens comprising an aperture and a plurality of separate conductive elements disposed each one side of the lens, in which a respective disposed conductive element on one side of the lens is configured to electrically couple to a first, second, third, and fourth pole segments of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly. 1102-. (canceled)103. A method of ionizing a sample comprising introducing the sample into an ion collision cell to ionize the sample , wherein the ion collision cell is fluidically coupled to an ion source at an entrance section of the ion collision cell and is fluidically coupled to an ion detector at an exit section of the ion collision cell , the ion collision cell comprising a sectioned quadrature rod assembly configured to provide a collision section between the entrance section and the exit section , the sectioned quadrature rod assembly comprising first , second , third , and fourth pole segments in each section of the quadrature rod assembly , and a lens between segments of at least one of the entry section and the exit section , the lens comprising an aperture and a plurality of separate conductive elements disposed on each side of the lens , in which a respective disposed conductive element on at least one side of the lens is configured to electrically couple to one of the first , second , third , and fourth pole segments of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly.104. The method of claim 103 , further comprising introducing a collision gas into the ion collision cell through a gas port is fluidically coupled to the entrance section.105. The method of claim 103 , wherein the pole segments are curved.106. The method of claim 103 , wherein the sectioned quadrature rod assembly is curved through about 180 degrees when the entrance section ...

ION GUIDE DEVICE AND ION GUIDE METHOD

The present invention relates to an ion guide device and an ion guiding method. The ion guide device comprises: a plurality of electrode sets distributed along a central axis longitudinally, wherein each electrode set has a ring shape and consists of at least 2 segmented electrodes (for example, and for 2 sets respectively); the power supply system which provides radio-frequency with different phases applied to the adjacent electrode sets (for example, between and ) along the central axis, and provides DC Voltages on each segmented electrode (), wherein, distribution of DC potential drives ions to move in the radial direction while driving said ions to move along the central axis. The ion guide can be used to guide and focus ions under relatively high gas pressure; especially it can be used for off-axis transmission of ions with the purpose to reduce the neutral noise. 1. An ion guide device , comprising:a plurality of electrode sets distributed along a central axis longitudinally, wherein each electrode set has a ring shape and consists of at least 2 segmented electrodes; anda power supply device which provides radio-frequency voltages with different phases to the adjacent said segmented electrodes along said central axis and provides DC potentials to said segmented electrodes of said electrodes sets, whereinthe distribution of said DC potentials drives the ions to move in the radial direction of said ion guide device while driving said ions to move along the direction of said central axis.2. An ion guide device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power supply device provides the radio-frequency voltages in which at least one parameter within the three parameters of amplitude claim 1 , frequency and duty cycle is different between said electrodes claim 1 , wherein said electrodes include the radially adjacent segmented electrodes on each of at least part of electrode sets claim 1 , or the axially adjacent segmented electrodes along said central axis on at least ...

Mass Spectrometer

The present disclosure provides a mass spectrometer for performing an analysis of sample ions, and a method for operating a mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises a first ion optical element that is supplied with a first gas; a mass analyzer, wherein the performance of the mass analyzer is dependent on the pressure of the first gas in the first ion optical element; and a controller for setting a property of the first gas, which comprises at least the pressure of the first gas, on the basis of a characteristic of the analysis to be performed by the mass spectrometer. 1. A mass spectrometer for performing an analysis of sample ions , the mass spectrometer comprising:a first ion optical element that is supplied with a first gas;a mass analyzer, wherein the performance of the mass analyzer is dependent on the pressure of the first gas in the first ion optical element; anda controller for setting a property of the first gas, which comprises at least the pressure of the first gas, on the basis of a characteristic of the analysis to be performed by the mass spectrometer.2. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the analysis to be performed by the mass spectrometer is based on at least a desired performance of the mass analyzer.3. The mass spectrometer of claim 2 , wherein the characteristic of the analysis to be performed by the mass spectrometer is based on at least a desired analysis resolution.4. The mass spectrometer of claim 2 , wherein setting the property of the first gas is a compromise between optimizing the performance of the first ion optical element optimizing and the performance of the mass analyzer.5. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 , wherein the mass analyzer is selected from: an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass analyzer claim 1 , an orbital trap mass analyzer claim 1 , a time-of-flight mass analyzer (especially a multiple-reflection time-of-flight (MR-TOF) mass analyzer) claim 1 , an electrostatic trap mass analyzer ...

VITAMIN B2 DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of a vitamin B2 in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying vitamin B2 in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric techniques. 1. A method for determining the amount of vitamin B2 in a biological sample from a human , said method comprising:(a) adding an internal standard to the sample;(b) subjecting the sample to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC);(c) ionizing vitamin B2 and the internal standard under conditions suitable to produce one or more ions detectable by tandem mass spectrometry;(d) determining the amount of said one or more ions by tandem mass spectrometry; and(e) comparing the amount of said one or more ions of vitamin B2 and said one or more ions of the internal standard to determine the amount of vitamin B2 in the sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are conducted with on-line processing.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said biological sample comprises plasma or serum.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry comprise one or more ions of vitamin B2 selected from the group consisting of ions with a mass to charge ratio of 377.2±0.5 and 243.2±0.5.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detectable by mass spectrometry comprise one or more ions of the internal standard selected from the group consisting of ions with a mass to charge ratio of 380.2±0.5 and 246.2±0.5.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the HPLC is a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method has a lower limit of quantitation within the range of 5 nmol/L and 25 nmol/L claim 1 , inclusive.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising protein precipitation.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein an acid is used for precipitating protein.10. The method of ...

C PEPTIDE DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of C peptide in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying C peptide in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. 1. A method for determining the amount of C peptide in a sample by tandem mass spectrometry , the method comprising:(a) subjecting a sample suspected of containing C peptide to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to obtain a fraction enriched in C peptide;(b) subjecting the enriched C peptide to an ionization source under conditions suitable to generate one or more C peptide ions detectable by mass spectrometry;(c) determining the amount of one or more C peptide ions by tandem mass spectrometry, wherein said determined ions comprise a precursor ion with a mass to charge ratio of 1007.5±0.5 and one or more fragment ions selected from the group of ions with mass to charge ratios consisting of 927.6±0.5, 785.4±0.5, and 646.1±0.5;wherein the amount of ions determined in step (c) is related to the amount of a C peptide in said sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said HPLC is 1-D HPLC.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said ionization source is an electrospray (ESI) ionization source.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample is subjected to solid phase extraction (SPE) prior to HPLC.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said SPE and HPLC are conducted with on-line processing.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises a biological sample.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample is from a human.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises a body fluid sample.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises plasma or serum.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more fragment ions comprise two or more fragment ions selected from the group consisting of 927.6±0.5 claim 1 , 785.4±0.5 claim 1 , ...

METHOD FOR SEQUENCING OLIGOSACCHARIDES

The present invention concerns a method for sequencing oligosaccharides, which makes it possible to identify the primary sequence of an oligosaccharide of unknown structure, including its monosaccharide composition, the position (regiochemistry) and configuration (stereochemistry) of glycosidic bonds, the nature and position of functional modifications, and its branched structure, particularly including the identification of the reducing end. 1. A method for sequencing oligosaccharides , wherein it comprises the steps ofi. fragmentation of the oligosaccharides into disaccharides and monosaccharides while preserving the molecular structure of the constituents as present in the oligosaccharide to be sequencedii. separation of each previously obtained disaccharide and monosaccharide by mass spectrometry,iii. analysis by infrared (IR) vibrational spectroscopy of each previously separated disaccharide and monosaccharide,iv. identification of the structure of each disaccharide and monosaccharide by comparison of the obtained IR spectra with a set of reference disaccharide and monosaccharide IR spectra, andv. definition of the oligosaccharide sequence by combination of the structures identified for each disaccharide and monosaccharide.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fragmentation of the oligosaccharides into disaccharides and monosaccharides (step i.) is done by mass spectrometry.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fragmentation by mass spectrometry is done by CID claim 1 , CAD claim 1 , SID claim 1 , ETD claim 1 , ECD and laser-induced fragmentation.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the IR spectroscopy is performed at a wavelength ranging from 4000 to 2000 cm.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the IR spectroscopy is done by the IRMPD method implemented in an ion trap.6. An apparatus for sequencing oligosaccharides comprising a mass spectrometry device claim 1 , an electromagnetic radiation source claim 1 , a database and ...

RF-Only Detection Scheme and Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Ions

A mass spectrometer apparatus and method for conducting simultaneous MS/MS analysis including: a device to select a precursor ion having a specified m/z; a gas-filled collision cell; an RF-only multipole mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer having a generator attached thereto for generating at least two auxiliary AC fields in the RF-only multipole mass spectrometer; a gate for providing a repulsive DC or AC barrier downstream to an exit of the RF-only multipole mass spectrometer; an ion detection system situated downstream from the DC or AC barrier for measuring an ion current derived from ions that overcome the repulsive barrier. The mass spectrometer may also be configured so that each of the auxiliary AC fields are generated by the introduction of individual auxiliary AC frequencies and each frequency is amplitude modulated at a unique frequency. 1. A mass spectrometer apparatus for conducting simultaneous MS/MS analysis comprising a device to select a precursor ion having a specified m/z;a gas-filled collision cell;an RF-only multipole mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer having a generator attached thereto that is configured to generate at least two auxiliary AC fields in the RF-only multipole mass spectrometer;a gate configured to provide a repulsive DC or AC barrier downstream to an exit of the RF-only multipole mass spectrometer; andan ion detection system situated downstream from the DC or AC barrier for measuring an ion current derived from ions that overcome the repulsive barrier.2. The mass spectrometer apparatus of wherein the device to select the precursor ion is a transmission mode RF/DC quadrupole mass spectrometer.3. The mass spectrometer apparatus of wherein the RF-only multipole mass spectrometer is a quadrupole.4. The mass spectrometer apparatus of wherein each of the at least two auxiliary AC fields are generated by the introduction of individual auxilliary AC frequencies and each AC frequency is amplitude modulated at a unique frequency ...

C PEPTIDE DETECTION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Methods are described for measuring the amount of C peptide in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying C peptide in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. 1. A method for determining the amount of C peptide in a sample by high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry , the method comprising:(a) subjecting a sample suspected of containing C peptide to solid phase extraction (SPE) to obtain a fraction enriched in C peptide;(b) subjecting the enriched C peptide to an ionization source under conditions suitable to generate one or more C peptide ions detectable by mass spectrometry;(c) determining the amount of one or more C peptide ions by high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry;wherein the amount of ions determined in step (c) is related to the amount of a C peptide in said sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample is subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) prior to ionization.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said ionization source is an electrospray (ESI) ionization source.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said SPE and HPLC are conducted with on-line processing.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises a biological sample.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample is from a human.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises a body fluid sample.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said sample comprises plasma or serum.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more ions detected in step (c) comprise a precursor ion with a mass to charge ratio (m/z) of about 1007.5±0.5.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said one or more C peptide ions comprise two or more fragment ions selected from the group consisting of 927.6±0.5 claim 1 , 785.4±0.5 claim 1 , and 646.1±0.5.11. The method of claim 10 , wherein relating said ions determined in ...

Two dimensional msms

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: performing a plurality of cycles of operation during a single experimental run, wherein each cycle comprises: mass selectively transmitting precursor ions of a single mass, or range of masses, through or out of a mass separator or mass filter at any given time, wherein the mass separator or mass filter is operated such that the single mass or range of masses transmitted therefrom is varied with time; operating the mass separator or filter in a wideband mode between at least some of said plurality of cycles, wherein in each wideband mode the mass separator or filter transmits ions in a non-mass resolving manner; and mass analysing ions.

METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTICOMPONENT ANALYSIS USING MASS SPECTROMETRY AND MASS SPECTROMETER

In a simultaneous multicomponent analysis for a number of target compounds, an MRM transition which does not give the highest signal intensity but gives a lower signal intensity is selected for a compound having a high measurement sensitivity or a compound having a high measurement target concentration. If the signal intensity is still high, the level of collision energy (CE) is changed from an optimum level. The MRM transition, CE level and other measurement conditions determined for each compound in this manner are stored in a compound-related information storage . In the process of preparing a control sequence for the simultaneous multicomponent analysis, the measurement conditions stored in the storage section are used. The use of those conditions prevents the saturation of the signal for a high-concentration compound while ensuring a sufficiently high level of sensitivity for a low-concentration compound. 1. A method for a simultaneous multicomponent analysis in which an SIM (selected ion monitoring) measurement or MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) measurement is performed for each of a plurality of known target compounds in a sample using a mass spectrometer , and a quantity of each of the compounds is determined based on a result of the measurement , wherein:a mass-resolving power, which is one of measurement conditions, is set at a higher level in a measurement for a target compound having a comparatively high measurement target concentration or comparatively high measurement sensitivity, than in a measurement for a target compound having a comparatively low measurement target concentration or comparatively low measurement sensitivity.2. A tandem mass spectrometer used for the method for a simultaneous multicomponent analysis according to claim 1 , comprising:a compound-related information storage section for storing, for each of all target compounds, an MRM transition to be monitored in an MRM measurement as well as the mass-resolving power or a parameter ...

Method for simultaneous multicomponent analysis using mass spectrometry and mass spectrometer

In a simultaneous multicomponent analysis for a number of target compounds, an MRM transition which does not give the highest signal intensity but gives a lower signal intensity is selected for a compound having a high measurement sensitivity or a compound having a high measurement target concentration. If the signal intensity is still high, the level of collision energy (CE) is changed from an optimum level. The MRM transition, CE level and other measurement conditions determined for each compound in this manner are stored in a compound-related information storage . In the process of preparing a control sequence for the simultaneous multicomponent analysis, the measurement conditions stored in the storage section are used. The use of those conditions prevents the saturation of the signal for a high-concentration compound while ensuring a sufficiently high level of sensitivity for a low-concentration compound. 1. A method for a simultaneous multicomponent analysis in which an SIM (selected ion monitoring) measurement or MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) measurement is performed for each of a plurality of known target compounds in a sample using a mass spectrometer , and a quantity of each of the compounds is determined based on a result of the measurement , wherein:a mass-to-charge ratio to be monitored in the SIM measurement or an MRM transition to be monitored in the MRM measurement, which is one of measurement conditions, is determined as follows: for a target compound having a comparatively high measurement target concentration or comparatively high measurement sensitivity, a mass-to-charge ratio or MRM transition which yields a comparatively low signal intensity is selected from a plurality of mass-to-charge ratios or MRM transitions related to the target compound concerned, and for a target compound having a comparatively low measurement target concentration or comparatively low measurement sensitivity, a mass-to-charge ratio or MRM transition which yields a ...

Optimizing Quadrupole Collision Cell RF Amplitude for Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A mass spectrometer includes a collision cell and a system controller. The collision cell includes a plurality of rod pairs configured to generate pseudopotential well through the application of radio frequency potentials to the rod pairs. The collision cell configured to generate a target fragment from a parent ion by colliding the parent ion with one or more gas molecules. The system controller is configured to set a radio frequency amplitude of the radio frequency potentials to a default amplitude; monitor the production of a target fragment ion while adjusting the collision energy; set the collision energy to optimize the production of the target fragment ion; apply a linear full range ramp to the radio frequency amplitude to determine an optimal radio frequency amplitude; and set the radio frequency amplitude to the optimal radio frequency amplitude for the parent ion, target fragment ion pair.

METHOD FOR ANALYZING IONIC STRUCTURE

A method for analyzing ionic structure, including: applying a radio frequency electric field on an ion mass analyzer to cause sample ions to be excited to a motion amplitude, the motion amplitude at this moment being recorded as a primary motion amplitude; continuously feeding carrier gas into the ion mass analyzer and keeping a certain degree of vacuum in the ion mass analyzer, the sample ions being collided with the carrier gas and the motion amplitude being decreased gradually, and collecting a time domain signal of an image current generated by the sample ions during the process; and analyzing the time domain signal through a time-frequency analysis method and obtaining time-varying characteristic curves indicating corresponding relations between the motion frequencies of the ions having corresponding sizes and the collision cross sectional areas of the ions and the carrier gas, thus distinguishing among ions having different sizes. 1. A method for analyzing ionic structure , comprising the following steps of:{'b': 0', '0', '0, 'ion trapping and exciting step: applying a radio frequency electric field on an ion mass analyzer to trap sample ions in the ion mass analyzer, the applied radio frequency electric field having a high order component; and applying an an auxiliary alternating current electric field or applying a broadband excitation electric field on the ion mass analyzer to cause the sample ions to be excited to a motion amplitude not exceeding the trapping ability of the ion mass analyzer, the motion amplitude at this moment being recorded as a primary motion amplitude (a) and the moment corresponding to the primary motion amplitude (a) being recorded as a first moment (t);'}{'b': '0', 'signal collecting step: continuously feeding carrier gas into the ion mass analyzer and keeping a degree of vacuum in the ion mass analyzer to be smaller than 1.333 Pa, the sample ions being collided with the carrier gas and the motion amplitude being decreased gradually ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS

An ion filter for a mass spectrometer, the apparatus comprising an ion modifier; an ion selector configured to select a subset of a sample of ions based on their mobility in a gas; and a controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the ions selected by the ion selector to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the ions selected by the ion selector; wherein the ion filter is adapted for providing output ions from the ion modifier to an intake of a mass spectrometer. 1. An ion filter for a mass spectrometer , the apparatus comprising:an ion modifier;an ion selector configured to select a subset of a sample of ions based on their mobility in a gas; anda controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the ions selected by the ion selector to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the ions selected by the ion selector;wherein the ion filter is adapted for providing output ions from the ion modifier to an intake of a mass spectrometer.2. An ion filter for a mass spectrometer , the apparatus comprising:an ion selector;an ion modifier arranged to receive a sample of ions; anda controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the sample of ions to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the sample of ions;wherein the ion selector is configured to select a subset of ions from the ion modifier based on their mobility in the gas, and the ion filter is adapted for providing the selected subset of ions to an intake of a mass spectrometer.3. The apparatus of or wherein the ion selector comprises the ion modifier.4. An ion filter for a mass spectrometer , the apparatus comprising:an ion modifier;an ion selector configured to select ions based on mobility of the ions in a gas,and a controller configured to operate the ion modifier to modify ...

Method and Apparatus for the Analysis of Molecules Using Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy

A method of analyzing molecules, comprising: generating ions from a sample of molecules; cooling the generated ions below ambient temperature; fragmenting at least some of the cooled ions by irradiating the ions with light at a plurality of different wavelengths (λ) within one or more predetermined spectral intervals; recording a fragment mass spectrum of the fragmented ions comprising a detected signal (I) versus m/z over a predetermined range of m/z values for each of the plurality of different wavelengths (λ), thereby recording a two dimensional dependency of the detected signal (I) on m/z and irradiation wavelength (λ); and determining from the recorded two dimensional dependency an identity of at least one of the generated ions and/or relative abundances of different generated ions and thereby determining an identity of at least of one of the molecules and/or relative abundances of different molecules in the sample. 1. A method of analyzing molecules comprising:generating ions from a sample of molecules to be analyzed;cooling the generated ions below ambient temperature; fragmenting at least some of the cooled ions by irradiating the ions with light at a plurality of different wavelengths (λ) within one or more predetermined spectral intervals, the wavelength of light being scanned over the plurality of different wavelengths;recording a fragment mass spectrum of a plurality of fragmented ions in parallel as the wavelength of light is scanned, comprising a detected signal (I) versus m/z over a predetermined range of m/z values for each of the plurality of different wavelengths (λ), thereby recording a two dimensional spectrum of the detected signal (I) versus m/z and irradiation wavelength (λ); anddetermining from the recorded two dimensional spectrum an identity of at least one of the generated ions and/or relative abundances of different generated ions and thereby determining an identity of at least one of the molecules and/or relative abundances of different ...

Unknown Identification Using Collision Cross Section

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising experimentally determining or measuring one or more first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and one or more mass or mass to charge ratios of one or more analyte ions, generating a first list of possible candidate compounds which correspond to said one or more analyte ions on the basis of the one or more determined or measured masses or mass to charge ratios, and calculating, estimating or determining one or more second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters of at least some of the candidate compounds in the first list. The method further comprises a step of either: (i) generating a second reduced list of possible candidate compounds by filtering or removing candidate compounds from the first list if the difference between said one or more experimentally determined or measured first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and the one or more calculated, estimated or determined second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters is greater than a predetermined amount; and/or (ii) reducing a likelihood value associated with one or more possible candidate compounds in the first list if the difference between said one or more experimentally determined or measured first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and the one or more calculated, estimated or determined second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters is greater than a predetermined amount. 1. A method ...

TANDEM QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETER

A measurement condition memory stores a CID gas condition table indicating a relation between the scan speed of a mass scan by a front-stage quadrupole mass filter and a CID gas supply pressure. If the scan speed is high, an influence of a decrease in speed of ions due to collisions with a CID gas inside a collision cell is relatively large. An appropriate CID gas supply pressure that reduces the decay of a peak waveform on a mass spectrum and makes the ion intensity as high as possible is examined in advance for each scan speed, and is stored in advance. During measurement of a target sample, if a precursor ion scan measurement mode or the like is designated, a CID gas supply pressure corresponding to the currently set scan speed is obtained based on the CID gas condition table, and the CID gas supplier is controlled. 1. A tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer comprising: a front-stage quadrupole mass filter for selecting , as precursor ions , ions having a specific mass-to-charge-ratio from among a variety of ions; a collision cell for causing the precursor ions to collide with a predetermined gas to dissociate the ions; a rear-stage quadrupole mass filter for selecting ions having a specific mass-to-charge-ratio from among a variety of product ions produced through the dissociation; and a detector for detecting the selected product ions , the tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer further comprising:a) a gas supplier for supplying the predetermined gas to an inside of the collision cell;b) a setting information memory for storing information on a gas pressure of the predetermined gas inside the collision cell or control information for supplying the predetermined gas, in association with a scan speed of a mass scan in a measurement mode in which the front-stage quadrupole mass filter performs the mass scan; andc) an analysis controller for controlling the gas supplier such that the gas pressure of the predetermined gas inside the collision cell accords with a scan ...

RADIO-FREQUENCY-FREE HYBRID ELECTROSTATIC/MAGNETOSTATIC CELL FOR TRANSPORTING, TRAPPING, AND DISSOCIATING IONS IN MASS SPECTROMETERS

Mass spectrometry cells include one or more interleaved magnetostatic and electrostatic lenses. In some examples, the electrostatic lenses are based on electrical potentials applied to magnetostatic lens pole pieces. In other alternatives, the electrostatic lenses can include conductive apertures. Applied voltages can be selected to trap or transport charged particles, and photon sources, gas sources, ion sources, and electron sources can be provided for various dissociation processes. 1. A mass spectrometry apparatus , comprising: a first conductive aperture electrically connected to a first electrical potential;', 'a first magnetostatic lens;', 'a second conductive aperture electrically connected to a second electrical potential, wherein the first and second conductive apertures and the magnetostatic lens define a radio-frequency-free charged particle interaction cavity that extends along the axis; and, 'a) from a first end to a second end along an axisb) a source of electrons disposed between the first and second conductive apertures.2. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second conductive apertures is electrically insulated from the first magnetostatic lens.3. (canceled)4. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the source of electrons is disposed within the cavity.5. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the source of electrons is disposed on the axis.6. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the source of electrons is disposed along a radius perpendicular to the axis.7. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the source of electrons is disposed within the cavity.8. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the source of electrons is disposed external to the cavity and the magnetostatic lens.9. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the magnetostatic lens comprises a Halbach array.10. The mass spectrometry apparatus of claim 1 , ...

Method and Apparatus for the Analysis of Molecules Using Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy

A method of analyzing molecules, comprising: generating ions from a sample of molecules; cooling the generated ions below ambient temperature; fragmenting at least some of the cooled ions by irradiating the ions with light at a plurality of different wavelengths (λ) within one or more predetermined spectral intervals; recording a fragment mass spectrum of the fragmented ions comprising a detected signal (I) versus m/z over a predetermined range of m/z values for each of the plurality of different wavelengths (λ), thereby recording a two-dimensional dependency of the detected signal (I) on m/z and irradiation wavelength (λ); and determining from the recorded two-dimensional dependency an identity of at least one of the generated ions and/or relative abundances of different generated ions and thereby determining an identity of at least of one of the molecules and/or relative abundances of different molecules in the sample. 1. An apparatus for analyzing a sample of molecules , comprising:an ion generator for generating ions from the molecules;an ion trap downstream from the ion generator for receiving the generated ions, wherein the ion trap is configured to be cooled to a temperature below ambient temperature and provided with gas that is non-condensing at the below ambient temperature for cooling the ions;a light source for irradiating the cooled ions with light at a plurality of different wavelengths (λ) within one or more predetermined spectral intervals, the wavelength of light, in use, being scanned over the plurality of different wavelengths, to cause fragmentation of the ions thereby forming fragment ions, wherein the wavelength of the light can be varied; anda mass analyzer for mass analysis of the fragment ions, wherein the mass analysis is configured to analyze a plurality of fragment ions in parallel.2. An apparatus as claimed in wherein the apparatus is connected to a chromatographic apparatus whereby the sample is contained in an eluent from the ...

Theoretical Collision Cross Section ("CCS") In Experimental Design

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising calculating an ion mobility value, collision cross section or interaction cross section of a plurality of different analyte ions under one or more different analytical conditions, and setting one or more operational parameters of a mass spectrometer in response to the calculated ion mobility values, collision cross sections or the calculated interaction cross sections so as to maximise or enhance a subsequent ion mobility separation of a plurality of different analyte ions. 1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:calculating an ion mobility value, collision cross section or interaction cross section of a plurality of different analyte ions under one or more different analytical conditions; andsetting one or more operational parameters of a mass spectrometer in response to said calculated ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections so as to maximise or enhance a subsequent ion mobility separation of a plurality of different analyte ions.2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:said plurality of different analyte ions relate to the same analyte but have different forms, structures, states or other properties; orsaid plurality of different analyte ions relate to different analytes having different compositions, forms, structures, states or other properties.3. (canceled)4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:determining, calculating or predicting a plurality of different analyte ions which may be generated from one or more analytes of interest under one or more of said different analytical conditions;wherein said step of calculating said ion mobility value, collision cross section or interaction cross section of said plurality of different analyte ions under said one or more different analytical conditions comprises calculating an ion mobility value, collision cross section or interaction cross section for one or more of said determined, calculated or predicted ...

Optimizing Quadrupole Collision Cell RF Amplitude for Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A mass spectrometer includes a collision cell and a system controller. The collision cell includes a plurality of rod pairs configured to generate pseudopotential well through the application of radio frequency potentials to the rod pairs. The collision cell configured to generate a target fragment from a parent ion by colliding the parent ion with one or more gas molecules. The system controller is configured to set a radio frequency amplitude of the radio frequency potentials to a default amplitude; monitor the production of a target fragment ion while adjusting the collision energy; set the collision energy to optimize the production of the target fragment ion; apply a linear full range ramp to the radio frequency amplitude to determine an optimal radio frequency amplitude; and set the radio frequency amplitude to the optimal radio frequency amplitude for the parent ion, target fragment ion pair. 1. A mass spectrometer comprising:a collision cell including a plurality of rod pairs configured to generate pseudopotential well through the application of radio frequency potentials to the rod pairs, the collision cell configured to generate a target fragment from a parent ion by colliding the parent ion with one or more gas molecules; set a radio frequency amplitude of the radio frequency potentials to a default amplitude;', 'monitor the production of a target fragment ion while adjusting the collision energy;', 'set the collision energy to optimize the production of the target fragment ion;', 'apply a linear full range ramp to the radio frequency amplitude to determine an optimal radio frequency amplitude; and', 'set the radio frequency amplitude to the optimal radio frequency amplitude for the parent ion, target fragment ion pair., 'a system controller configured to2. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 , further comprising an ion source and first and second radio frequency mass filters.3. The mass spectrometer of claim 2 , further comprising a collision cell entrance ...