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Related Concept Videos

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)01:08

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)

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Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a powerful analytical technique used in mass spectrometry. It enables the identification and characterization of various biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. MALDI spectrometry is widely employed in biological and medical research, as well as in fields like pharmacology and biochemistry.
The analyte of interest, a biomolecule or a mixture of biomolecules, is mixed with a suitable matrix material. The...
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MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry01:19

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Mass spectrometry is a powerful characterization technique that can identify and separate a wide variety of compounds ranging from chemical to biological entities, based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The instruments that allow this detection, known as mass spectrometers, have three components: an ion source, a mass analyzer, and a detector. These spectrometers differ based on the nature of their ion source and analyzers.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a commonly...
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Mass Analyzers: Overview01:13

Mass Analyzers: Overview

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The mass analyzer is a crucial component of the mass spectrometer. In the ionization chamber, the vaporized sample is bombarded with a high-energy electron beam to generate a radical cation and further fragment into neutral molecules, radicals, and cations. A series of negatively charged accelerator plates accelerate the cations into the mass analyzer. The mass analyzer separates ions according to their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios and then directs them to the detector. The common types of mass...
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Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview01:26

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A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
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Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview01:19

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview

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In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then...
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Mass Spectrometers01:16

Mass Spectrometers

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This lesson details the instrumentation of a mass spectrometer—a physical instrument to perform mass spectrometry on analyte molecules and record the characteristic mass spectra. This is achieved via three chief functions:
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
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Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) laser desorption/ionization source design and performance characterization.

Xiang Li1, Ryan M Danell2, Veronica T Pinnick1

  • 1Center for Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry
|October 2, 2020
PubMed
Summary

The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) uses innovative laser desorption mass spectrometry for detecting organic compounds on Mars. This advanced instrument enhances astrobiology investigations by analyzing mineralogy and organic molecules under Martian conditions.

Keywords:
Laser desorption/ionization massMars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA)Miniaturized linear ion trap (LIT)spectrometry (LDI-MS)

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Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Astrobiology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • The ExoMars rover's astrobiology mission relies on sophisticated instruments for in-situ analysis.
  • Detecting organic molecules and mineralogy on Mars is crucial for understanding its potential habitability.
  • Previous spaceflight mass spectrometers have limitations in analyzing refractory organic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the technical innovations and analytical capabilities of the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument.
  • To highlight MOMA's suitability for astrobiology investigations on the ExoMars mission.
  • To review the application of MOMA's technology for exploring Mars and other celestial bodies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a dual-source, ion trap-based instrument combining pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (pyr/GC-MS) and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS).
  • Implementing innovative components including a miniaturized linear ion trap (LIT), fast actuating aperture valve, and MEMS Pirani sensor.
  • Employing advanced analytical techniques such as Stored Waveform Inverse Fourier Transform (SWIFT) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in LDI-MS mode.

Main Results:

  • MOMA is designed for high performance in the Martian environment, balancing capability with compact size and low power consumption.
  • The instrument enables the detection of refractory organic compounds and characterization of host mineralogy using LDI-MS at Mars ambient conditions.
  • Advanced capabilities like SWIFT and MS/MS allow for selected ion isolation, enhancement, and structural analysis of organic molecules.

Conclusions:

  • MOMA represents a significant advancement in spaceflight mass spectrometry for astrobiology.
  • The instrument's innovative design and analytical capabilities are well-suited for the challenges of Martian exploration.
  • MOMA's technology holds promise for future planetary exploration missions seeking signs of life.