Method and apparatus for coupling fast separations and slow detection systems

摘要

An apparatus and method for analyzing a sample containing multiple analytes that combines a separation device that separates the individual analytes by virtue of some physical and/or chemical characteristic other than the mass to charge ratio (m/z) interfaced with a mass spectrometer that detects the m/z of individual analytes. Separation is performed on the shorter timescale than signal detection with the mass spectrometer. A preferred embodiment utilizes an ion mobility spectrometer interfaced with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
an ion mobility separation stage with a drift region therein coupled to an ion trap mass spectrometer, wherein the separation stage is configured to receive two or more ion packets comprising ions from multiple analytes in a sample in succession from an ion funnel at time intervals that are other than constant encoded by a first pulse sequence that separates the ions in the drift region therein; an ion gate disposed at an end of the drift region in front of the ion trap mass spectrometer; and control circuitry configured to release ions in two or more separated ion packets from the drift region through the ion gate into the ion trap mass spectrometer at time intervals encoded by a second pulse sequence within the acquisition time of the ion trap mass spectrometer.