Mass spectrometers comprising accelerator devices

摘要

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a flight region for ions to travel through and a detector or fragmentation device. A potential profile is maintained along the flight region such that ions travel towards the detector or fragmentation device. The potential at which a first length of the flight region is maintained is then changed from a first potential to a second potential while at least some ions are travelling within the first length of flight region. The changed potential provides a first potential difference at an exit of the length of flight region, through which the ions are accelerated as they leave the length of flight region. This increases the kinetic energy of the ions prior to them reaching the detector or fragmentation cell.

主权项

1. A method of mass spectrometry comprising:
providing a flight region for ions to travel through and a fragmentation device; maintaining a potential profile along the flight region such that parent or precursor ions travel towards the fragmentation device; and changing the potential at which a first length of the flight region is maintained from a first potential to a second potential whilst at least some of said ions are travelling within said length of flight region, the changed potential providing a first potential difference at an exit of said length of flight region, whereby said at least some ions are accelerated through the potential difference as they leave said length of flight region and such that the ions reach the fragmentation device with increased energy and fragment therein.