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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

T-wave Ion Mobility-mass Spectrometry: Basic Experimental Procedures for Protein Complex Analysis
Published on: August 1, 2010
A secondary ion microprobe ion trap mass spectrometer.
Peter J Todd1, T Gregory Schaaff
1Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee 37831-6365, USA. toddpj@ornl.gov
This study integrates an ion trap mass analyzer with an organic secondary ion microprobe, achieving a tenfold increase in sensitivity. While imaging capability is maintained, data acquisition time is longer compared to traditional quadrupole systems.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Surface Science
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Organic secondary ion microprobes are crucial for surface analysis.
- Integrating mass analyzers can enhance sensitivity and analytical capabilities.
- Maintaining pressure differentials is key for instrument performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To couple an ion trap mass analyzer with an organic secondary ion microprobe.
- To evaluate the impact on sensitivity and imaging capabilities.
- To assess the feasibility of integrated data acquisition systems.
Main Methods:
- Attachment of an ion trap mass analyzer to an organic secondary ion microprobe.
- Maintenance of a pressure differential (>100) between the instruments.
- Integration of data systems using resonant ejection mode and asynchronous acquisition.
Main Results:
- Achieved a tenfold improvement in secondary ion mass spectrometry sensitivity.
- Retained microprobe imaging capability due to the pressure differential.
- Observed low trapping efficiency (<1%) and increased data acquisition time (10x) compared to quadrupole systems.
Conclusions:
- The integrated system demonstrates significantly enhanced sensitivity for organic secondary ion mass spectrometry.
- The ion trap-microprobe combination offers a viable approach for sensitive surface analysis.
- Trade-offs in acquisition time exist, necessitating further optimization for high-throughput applications.
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