Time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of biomolecules

摘要

A time-of-flight mass spectrometer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of a sample molecule is described. The spectrometer provides independent control of the electric field experienced by the sample before and during ion extraction. Methods of mass spectrometry utilizing the principles of this invention reduce matrix background, induce fast fragmentation, and control the transfer of energy prior to ion extraction.