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Improved energy compensation for time-of-flight mass spectrometry
1Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Building 5510. MS-6365, P.O. Box 2008, 37831-6365, Oak Ridge, TN.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|November 14, 2013
Summary
A new model enhances energy compensation in time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. This improves mass resolution for TOF mass spectrometers using ion mirrors, validated by experimental results.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique.
- Ion mirrors are used in TOF mass spectrometers to improve mass resolution.
- Initial ion kinetic energy distributions can cause flight time spreads, affecting mass resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a model for improved energy compensation in TOF mass spectrometry.
- To account for the effects of both acceleration and drift regions on mass resolution.
- To compensate for flight time spreads caused by initial ion kinetic energy distributions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a model incorporating acceleration and drift region effects.
- Modification of a commercial two-stage ion mirror.
- Experimental validation of the model calculations.
Main Results:
- The model successfully compensates for flight time spreads in both acceleration and drift regions.
- Experimental results validate the model's predictions.
- Mass resolution (m/Δm) for Na(+) improved from ~100 to ~200 with the modified ion mirror.
Conclusions:
- The developed model offers improved energy compensation for TOF mass spectrometry.
- The modified ion mirror design enhances mass resolution.
- This advancement is significant for surface desorption TOF mass spectrometers.
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