Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises transforming mass spectral data to produce frequency-domain mass spectral data, modifying the frequency-domain mass spectral data to produce modified frequency-domain mass spectral data by attenuating and/or removing one or more ranges of the frequency-domain mass spectral data that relate to noise associated with peaks of interest in the mass spectral data, and transforming the modified frequency-domain mass spectral data to produce modified mass spectral data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein parent or precursor ions are fragmented or reacted according to a first fragmentation or reaction mode, and when an ion of interest is detected the method then temporarily switches to a second mode of fragmentation or reaction. This enables a full un-biased MS/MS data set to be provided over a wide mass to charge ratio range with high-duty cycle, together with complementary detailed fragment data of interest, in a single experimental run or acquisition.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a glow discharge device within the initial vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The glow discharge device may comprise a tubular electrode located within an isolation valve, which is provided in the vacuum chamber. Reagent vapour may be provided through the tubular electrode, which is then subsequently ionised by the glow discharge. The resulting reagent ions may be used for Electron Transfer Dissociation of analyte ions generated by an atmospheric pressure ion source. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the ions generated by the glow discharge device may be used to reduce the charge state of analyte ions by Proton Transfer Reaction or may act as lock mass or reference ions.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising mass analysing ions and obtaining mass spectral data and determining parent or precursor ions of interest. The method further comprises determining first adduct or chemical artefact ions which have mass to charge ratios which have a substantially linear relationship with the mass to charge ratio of the parent or precursor ions of interest and removing or attenuating the first adduct or chemical artefact ions from the mass spectral data.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a liquid chromatography device for separating ions. A gas phase ion-neutral reaction device is arranged downstream to perform a gas phase ion-neutral reaction such as Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange. A control system is arranged to automatically and repeatedly switch the reaction device back and forth between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation at least some parent or precursor ions are caused to react within the reaction device and wherein in the second mode of operation substantially fewer or no parent or precursor ions are caused to react.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a flight region for ions to travel through and a detector or fragmentation device. A potential profile is maintained along the flight region such that ions travel towards the detector or fragmentation device. The potential at which a first length of the flight region is maintained is then changed from a first potential to a second potential while at least some ions are travelling within the first length of flight region. The changed potential provides a first potential difference at an exit of the length of flight region, through which the ions are accelerated as they leave the length of flight region. This increases the kinetic energy of the ions prior to them reaching the detector or fragmentation cell.

Abstract: A method of mass or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed that uses the Leidenfrost effect to cause a liquid to be repelled away from a heated surface so as to levitate above there-above. The repelled liquid is urged so as to move along the surface in a predetermined direction, for example, by the geometric configuration of the heated surface.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising directing first photons from a laser onto ions located within a 2D or linear ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the first photons is scanned and first photons and/or second photons emitted by the ions are detected. The ions are then mass analyzed using a Time of Flight mass analyzer.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a glow discharge device within the initial vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The glow discharge device may comprise a tubular electrode located within an isolation valve, which is provided in the vacuum chamber. Reagent vapor may be provided through the tubular electrode, which is then subsequently ionized by the glow discharge. The resulting reagent ions may be used for Electron Transfer Dissociation of analyte ions generated by an atmospheric pressure ion source. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the ions generated by the glow discharge device may be used to reduce the charge state of analyte ions by Proton Transfer Reaction or may act as lock mass or reference ions.

Abstract: There is provided a method of introducing ions into a mass spectrometer, comprising ionising a sample using a continuous ionisation source to form a plurality of ions, transporting said plurality of ions in a first, primary gas through a passageway and into an inlet of a mass spectrometer, introducing a second, auxiliary gas into said inlet, and controlling a flow rate of said second gas into said inlet so as to control a flow rate of said first gas through said passageway.

Abstract: There is provided a method of introducing ions into a mass spectrometer, comprising ionising a sample using a Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation (“MALDI”) ion source to form a plurality of ions, transporting said plurality of ions in a first, primary gas through a passageway and into an inlet of a mass spectrometer, introducing a second, auxiliary gas into said inlet, and controlling a flow rate of said second gas into said inlet so as to control a flow rate of said first gas through said passageway.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a liquid chromatography device for separating ions. A gas phase ion-neutral reaction device is arranged downstream to perform a gas phase ion-neutral reaction such as Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange. A control system is arranged to automatically and repeatedly switch the reaction device back and forth between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation at least some parent or precursor ions are caused to react within the reaction device and wherein in the second mode of operation substantially fewer or no parent or precursor ions are caused to react.

Abstract: A method of ion imaging is disclosed comprising scanning a sample and acquiring first mass spectral data related to a first pixel location at a first spatial resolution and determining whether or not the first mass spectral data satisfies a condition. If it is determined that the first mass spectral data does satisfy the condition then the first mass spectral data is stored, recorded or prioritized. If it is determined that the first mass spectral data does not satisfy the condition then the first mass spectral data is discarded or downgraded. Scanning of the sample then continues at the first spatial resolution and further mass spectral data related to further pixel locations is acquired.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed wherein a sample is ionised by an electrified sprayer so as to produce multiply charged analyte ions of a first polarity in gas-phase. A reaction region is provided downstream of the electrified sprayer, wherein the reaction region is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure and is maintained substantially free of electric-fields. A gas flow is provided from said electrified sprayer to said reaction region such that the gas flow carries the analyte ions from the electrified sprayer into the reaction region. Free electrons or reagent ions of a second polarity are generated in the reaction region, wherein the second polarity is opposite to said first polarity. The free electrons or reagent ions are then reacted with the analyte ions in the reaction region so as to reduce the charge state of the multiply charged analyte ions and thereby produce charge-reduced analyte ions.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: providing supercharged analyte ions; and supplying electrons or reagent ions to said analyte ions so as to transfer charge from said reagent ions or electrons to said analyte ions, said transfer of charge causing at least some of said analyte ions to dissociate. The charge transfer step is performed at a relatively high pressure and preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a flight region for ions to travel through and a detector or fragmentation device. A potential profile is maintained along the flight region such that ions travel towards the detector or fragmentation device. The potential at which a first length of the flight region is maintained is then changed from a first potential to a second potential whilst at least some ions are travelling within the first length of flight region. The changed potential provides a first potential difference at an exit of the length of flight region, through which the ions are accelerated as they leave the length of flight region. This increases the kinetic energy of the ions prior to them reaching the detector or fragmentation cell.

Abstract: A Time of Flight mass analyzer is disclosed comprising one or more acceleration electrodes and a first device arranged and adapted to apply a DC voltage pulse to the one or more acceleration electrodes. The DC voltage pulse causes ions to be accelerated into a time of flight or drift region and the DC voltage pulse is applied, in use, to the one or more acceleration electrodes between a time T1 and a time T2. A second device is arranged and adapted to apply a single phase oscillating voltage to the one or more acceleration electrodes, wherein the single phase oscillating voltage undergoes multiple oscillations between the time T1 and the time T2. The application of the DC voltage pulse and the single phase oscillating voltage to the one or more acceleration electrodes establishes an homogeneous electric field having a net force towards the time of flight or drift region.

Abstract: A method of ion imaging is disclosed comprising scanning a sample at a first resolution and acquiring first mass spectral data related to a first pixel location.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising alternating between a first mode in which parent ions are analysed and a second mode in which parent ions are fragmented and their fragment ions are mass analysed. In the first mode the parent ions are charge reduced before being analysed, so as to simplify the parent ion spectral data obtained. In the second mode, the parent ions are not charge reduced prior to fragmentation, so that it remains relatively easy to induce the parent ions to fragment. The parent ions are then associated with their fragment ions using the mass spectral data obtained.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising alternating between a first mode in which parent ions are mass analyzed and a second mode in which the parent ions are subjected to Electron Capture Dissociation (“ECD”) at atmospheric pressure so as to produce fragment ions which are then mass analyzed. The parent ions are associated with their fragment ions based on the times at which they were detected. This method enables parent ions to be associated with their fragment ions, even when the ECD fragmentation is performed at atmospheric pressure.