Abstract: A method of operating an analytical instrument comprises ionising a sample to produce sample ions; (i) performing a first ion separation scan by separating sample ions according to a first physico-chemical property, and analysing the separated sample ions by performing one or more MS1 mass analysis scans; and (ii) performing a second ion separation scan by separating sample ions according to the first physico-chemical property, and analysing the separated sample ions by performing a plurality of MS2 mass analysis scans. Each MS2 scan of the plurality of MS2 mass analysis scans uses one MS2 isolation window of a plurality of MS2 isolation windows. The method further comprises analysing MS1 data acquired from the one or more MS1 mass analysis scan(s), and configuring the plurality of MS2 isolation windows based on the analysis of the MS1 data.

Abstract: A method of determining a calibration for an analytical instrument comprises ionising a calibrant to produce calibrant ions, performing a sequence of ion separation scans, performing a plurality of mass analysis scans by performing one or more mass analysis scan(s) during each ion separation scan of the sequence, and using data obtained from the plurality of mass analysis scans to determine a calibration for the analytical instrument. Each ion separation scan has a duration TIMS, and each mass analysis scan has a duration TMA. Each ion separation scan has a respective start time ti0, and each mass analysis scan has a respective start time tijMA defined relative to the start time ti0 of the ion separation scan during which the mass analysis scan is performed. The start times tijMA of the plurality of mass analysis scans include start times separated by a delay time ?t, wherein ?t<min (TMA, TIMS).

Abstract: A spectrometer device for analysis of aerosol particles, dusts, and other microparticles and/or nanoparticles includes an electrospray ionization source supplying a particle stream to an aerodynamic lens that focuses and collimates a beam of particles. An electrostatic trap accepts the beam of particles and traps a single trapped particle at a time in the electrostatic trap to oscillate with a measurable amplitude and frequency. A sensor senses the amplitude and frequency, and a processor determines a calculated mass to charge ratio from the amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the trapped particle in real time. A method creates a focused stream of micro or nanoparticles, traps a single particle at a time in an electrostatic trap. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillation of the trapped particle is sensed. The mass to charge ratio is determined from the amplitude and frequency of oscillation. Particles can be accelerated into a target.

Abstract: A spectrometer device for analysis of aerosol particles, dusts, and other microparticles and/or nanoparticles includes an electrospray ionization source supplying a particle stream to an aerodynamic lens that focuses and collimates a beam of particles. An electrostatic trap accepts the beam of particles and traps a single trapped particle at a time in the electrostatic trap to oscillate with a measurable amplitude and frequency. A sensor senses the amplitude and frequency, and a processor determines a calculated mass to charge ratio from the amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the trapped particle in real time. A method creates a focused stream of micro or nanoparticles, traps a single particle at a time in an electrostatic trap. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillation of the trapped particle is sensed. The mass to charge ratio is determined from the amplitude and frequency of oscillation. Particles can be accelerated into a target.