Mass spectrometry

Abstract

Mass spectrometry is an incredibly important analytical technique for the identification of molecules by way of measuring their mass-to-charge ratios, m/z, in the ionized state. It is particularly useful for the detection and analysis of traces of macromolecules down to less than 1 pg (10⁻¹² g). The general design of a mass spectrometer comprises sample injector, sample ionizer, mass analyzer and ion detector (Fig. 3.1). First the sample is injected into the ionizer which ionizes sample molecules. Then sample ions are analyzed and detected. To prevent collisions with gas molecules, sample ionizer, mass analyzer and ion detector are generally operated in vacuum.