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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Experimental Methods for Trapping Ions Using Microfabricated Surface Ion Traps
Published on: August 17, 2017
Ion Behavior in an Electrically Compensated Ion Cyclotron Resonance Trap
Adam M Brustkern1, Don L Rempel, Michael L Gross
1Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1134, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
A new electrically compensated trap in FT ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry significantly enhances ion transient lifetimes. This leads to improved mass resolving power and signal-to-noise ratios for more accurate mass calibration.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique.
- Electrically compensated traps offer potential improvements in FT-ICR performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ion transient lifetimes, mass resolving power, and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios between compensated and uncompensated traps.
- To evaluate the linearity of ion cyclotron frequency versus ion number in both trap modes.
Main Methods:
- Experimental comparison of ion transient behavior in compensated and uncompensated FT-ICR traps.
- Analysis of mass resolving power, S/N ratios, and ion cyclotron frequency under identical pressure conditions.
Main Results:
- Ion transient lifetimes were extended by a factor of ten in the compensated trap.
- Improved mass resolving power and S/N ratios were observed with the compensated trap.
- Linearity of ion cyclotron frequency as a function of ion number was achieved in the compensated mode, aligning with theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- Electrically compensated traps in FT-ICR mass spectrometry offer substantial performance enhancements.
- The observed improvements facilitate better mass calibration and increased mass accuracy.
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