Method of Avoiding Space Charge Saturation Effects in an Ion Trap

摘要

A mass spectrometer is provided comprising a first ion trap arranged upstream of an analytical second ion trap. The charge capacity of the first ion trap is set at a value such that if all the ions stored within the first ion trap up to the charge capacity limit of the first ion trap are then transferred to the second ion trap, then the analytical performance of the second ion trap is not substantially degraded due to space charge effects.

主权项

1. A mass spectrometer comprising:
a first ion trap arranged and adapted: (i) to allow said first ion trap to accumulate ions only up to a first charge capacity, such that if said first charge capacity is exceeded then excess ions emerge or are otherwise ejected from said first ion trap; and then (ii) to transmit or pass at least some or all ions stored within said first ion trap from said first ion trap.