Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography

Fundamentals of Mass Spectroscopy

A mass spectrometer produces charged molecules and ion fragments and separates these ions according to their mass to charge ratio. The major components of the mass spectrometer include inlet system, ion source, mass analyser, detector, signal processor, and vacuum system. The inlet system allows introduction of the analyte into the mass spectrometer without disrupting the high vacuum existing within the mass spectrometer. The reservoir inlet permits volatile and thermally stable liquids and gases to be bled into the ion source from a vessel of higher pressure. A heated direct insertion probe is used to insert less volatile solid and liquid analytes directly into the ionization chamber for vaporization.