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Mass Spectrometers

Mass Spectrometers

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:

Mass Analyzers: Overview

Mass Analyzers: Overview

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...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.

Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview

Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview

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...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...

Mass Spectrometry: Overview

Mass Spectrometry: Overview

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular mass and molecular formula of a compound. The basic principle of mass spectrometry is to generate ions from the analyte molecule and measure these ion abundances against their molecular mass. One common type of ionization, known as electrospray ionization or EI, bombards the analyte molecules in the gas phase with high-energy electron beams. The electron beams displace an electron from the molecule and leave...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Proton Transfer and Protein Conformation Dynamics in Photosensitive Proteins by Time-resolved Step-scan Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Proton Transfer and Protein Conformation Dynamics in Photosensitive Proteins by Time-resolved Step-scan Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Published on: June 27, 2014

The Relativistic Proton Spectrometer: A Review of Sensor Performance, Applications, and Science.

J E Mazur¹, T P O'Brien¹, M D Looper¹

¹14745 Lee Road, Chantilly, VA 20151 USA.

Space Science Reviews

|April 10, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Relativistic Proton Spectrometer (RPS) provided crucial data on the inner Van Allen belt

Keywords:

Magnetosphere Radiation belts Radiation effects Solar energetic particles Trapped protons

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High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy to Study Picosecond-Nanosecond Dynamics of Proteins and Hydration Water

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Last Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Proton Transfer and Protein Conformation Dynamics in Photosensitive Proteins by Time-resolved Step-scan Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy

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Published on: June 27, 2014

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High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy to Study Picosecond-Nanosecond Dynamics of Proteins and Hydration Water

High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy to Study Picosecond-Nanosecond Dynamics of Proteins and Hydration Water

Published on: April 28, 2022

Area of Science:

Space physics
Particle astrophysics
Plasma physics

Background:

The inner Van Allen belt is a challenging region for charged particle measurements.
Previous data on high-energy protons in this region were limited.
Satellite operations face hazards in intense radiation fields.

Purpose of the Study:

To measure the flux, angular distribution, and energy spectrum of protons.
To provide accurate data for the AP9 radiation specification model.
To explore the relatively unexplored inner Van Allen belt.

Main Methods:

Utilized the Relativistic Proton Spectrometer (RPS) on the Van Allen Probes spacecraft.
Collected data on proton energies from to .
Compared new measurements with historical data from earlier missions.

Main Results:

Successfully provided accurate high-energy proton data for the AP9 model.
Demonstrated long-term stability of certain Inner Belt regions.
Discovered a trapped population of leptons at the outer edge of the inner belt.
Observed agreement between RPS and historical measurements.

Conclusions:

The Relativistic Proton Spectrometer (RPS) successfully met its mission objectives.
The study revealed surprising stability and new particle populations in the inner Van Allen belt.
Findings inform future investigations of intense radiation environments.