Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating mass-to-charge ratio measurements obtained from a time-of-flight mass spectrometer used as a detector for a chromatographic system. The method can include introducing a calibrant material into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer after a sample is introduced to the chromatographic system, but before the analysis of the sample is complete, such that calibrant material and sample material are not present at the ion source of the mass spectrometer, contemporaneously, and back-flushing residual or leaking calibrant through a back-flush line and away from the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating mass-to-charge ratio measurements obtained from a time-of-flight mass spectrometer used as a detector for a chromatographic system. The method can include introducing a calibrant material into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer after a sample is introduced to the chromatographic system, but before the analysis of the sample is complete, such that calibrant material and sample material are not present at the ion source of the mass spectrometer, contemporaneously. The method can include acquiring a multiplicity of mass spectra of the calibrant material during an analytical run, and in some embodiments, calculating a multiplicity of mass calibrations on the basis of mass spectra obtained from the calibrant material introduced during the analytical run.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating mass-to-charge ratio measurements obtained from a time-of-flight mass spectrometer used as a detector for a chromatographic system. The method can include introducing a calibrant material into the time-of-flight mass spectrometer after a sample is introduced to the chromatographic system, but before the analysis of the sample is complete, such that calibrant material and sample material are not present at the ion source of the mass spectrometer, contemporaneously. The method can include acquiring a multiplicity of mass spectra of the calibrant material during an analytical run, and in some embodiments, calculating a multiplicity of mass calibrations on the basis of mass spectra obtained from the calibrant material introduced during the analytical run.

Abstract: An Apparatus and method for two-stage chromatographic separation uses thermal modulation. The chromatographic column or modulation tube (1) has a loop structure such that two portions of modulation tube (1) can be thermally modulated simultaneously by at least one thermal modulation device, which device can have a cold gas source, jet tube (2), and a hot gas source, hot jet tube (5), to modulate the temperature of the portions (3, 4) of modulation tube (1).

Abstract: A method of thermally modulating a tubular member carrying a sample substance therethrough is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) directing at least one gas stream toward a tubular member in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular member, wherein the temperature of the gas stream differs from the temperature of the tubular member; and (b) varying the gas flow rate of the at least one gas stream as a function of time to thermally modulate the tubular member. An apparatus is also provided for thermal modulation and includes: a tubular member for carrying a sample substance therethrough in a fluid medium; a gas stream source for directing a gas stream toward the tubular member in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular member; a gas stream supplied from the source with a temperature that differs from the temperature of the tubular member; and a gas stream of varying gas flow rate supplied from the gas stream source as a function of time to thermally modulate the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for forming a chemical modulation of a substance present in a fluid stream, which utilize a movable device, such as a movable heater, to induce changes in the retention of a chemical substance flowing through the modulator tube. The modulator tube has an inlet, a first portion in communication with the inlet, a second portion in communication with said first portion, and an outlet in communication with said second portion. The method involves causing a chemical modulation by moving retention alteration device relative to a modulator tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting the end of a tubular body, particularly a chromatographic capillary tube, to a detection or injection device fitting including a holder having a ferrule for holding the tubular member and an insertion assembly to engage the device fitting. The assembly is adapted to contain the holder and force the ferrule into a seated relation with the device fitting. A method for connecting a tubular member to a device fitting is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting the end of a tubular body, particularly a chromatographic capillary tube, to a detection or injection device fitting comprises a holder having a ferrule for holding said tubular member and an insertion assembly to engage said device fitting. The assembly is adapted to contain the holder and force the ferrule into a seated relation with the device fitting. A method for connecting a tubular member to a device fitting is also provided.

Abstract: To inject samples into a mass spectrometer, one end of a capillary tube is affixed directly to the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer or to a mass spectrometer interface to bring gaseous samples into close proximity to the mass spectrometer ionizing means, and the other end is in close proximity to the surface of a tape. The tape is in a cassette and a probe is inserted through the cassette frame between the cassette reels and draws the tape to the end of a capillary tube. Regions of tape with samples adsorbed to tape surface are transported rapidly from a low temperature region for a high temperature region which includes the entrance end of the capillary tube. Sample vaporizes from the tape surface and is carried into the capillary tube by a carrier gas. The tape position is indicated by bar codes on the tape that control tape movement.

Abstract: To increase the sample sensitivity of an ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer so that it can analyze small samples, the escape of molecules from an analyzer cell assembly is controlled by a loss reduction means. In the preferred embodiment, the loss reduction means encloses the analyzer cell. Molecular flow conductance tuning of the loss reduction means is used to maximize sensitivity of the detector for small sample sizes, and to balance loss of sample against the buildup of pyrolysis and beam fragmentation products within the loss reduction enclosure.

Abstract: A trapped ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer comprised of an analyzer cell having upper, lower, side and end electrodes positioned to produce a substantially uniform electric field, a magnet positioned to produce a magnetic field and irradiating wires adjacent to the electrodes for producing an RF alternating field. The upper, lower and side electrodes are in the form of a rectangular hyberbola to produce a homogeneous quadrupolar electrostatic field. Sample ions are produced by reaction with a reagent ion and trapped by the electric and magnetic fields. The magnetic field induces the trapped ions into an orbit at a frequency related to the charge-to-mass ratio. The analyzer cell is then irradiated with an alternating electric field which causes the ions to accelerate until they impinge on the upper and lower electrodes and are collected. An electrometer connected to the upper and lower electrodes senses the collected ions and measures the current produced.