Abstract: A highly sensitive multiple stage (MSn) mass spectrometer is disclosed, capable of eliminating losses of ions during the isolation stage. Ions of interest are isolated (by m/z value) without rejecting ions of other m/z values, permitting the selected ions to be dissociated, while the rest of the ion population is available for subsequent isolation, dissociation and analysis of fragment ions. One preferred instrument includes a pulsed ion source coupled with a linear array of mass selective ion trap devices, at least one trap being coupled to an external ion detector. Each ion trap is configured with a storing cell for ion trapping interspersed between a pair of guarding cells, all aligned along their z axis. Radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) voltages are applied to electrodes of the ion trap device to retain ions within the storing cells.