Abstract: A method for analyzing a gas by mass spectrometry includes exciting ions of the gas to be analyzed in an FT ion trap, and recording a first frequency spectrum in a first measurement time interval during or after the excitation of the ions. The first frequency spectrum contains ion frequencies of the excited ions and interference frequencies. The method also includes recording a second frequency spectrum in a second measurement time interval. The second frequency spectrum contains the interference frequencies, but not the ion frequencies of the first frequency spectrum. The method further includes comparing the first frequency spectrum with the second frequency spectrum to identify the interference frequencies in the first frequency spectrum. The disclosure also relates to a mass spectrometer which is suitable for carrying out the method for analyzing the gas by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a gas by mass spectrometry includes exciting ions of the gas to be analyzed in an FT ion trap, and recording a first frequency spectrum in a first measurement time interval during or after the excitation of the ions. The first frequency spectrum contains ion frequencies of the excited ions and interference frequencies. The method also includes recording a second frequency spectrum in a second measurement time interval. The second frequency spectrum contains the interference frequencies, but not the ion frequencies of the first frequency spectrum. The method further includes comparing the first frequency spectrum with the second frequency spectrum to identify the interference frequencies in the first frequency spectrum. The disclosure also relates to a mass spectrometer which is suitable for carrying out the method for analyzing the gas by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An ionization device includes: a plasma generating device for generating metastable particles and/or ions of an ionization gas in a primary plasma region; a field generating device for generating a glow discharge in a secondary plasma region; an inlet for supplying a gas to be ionized into the secondary plasma region; and a further inlet for supplying the metastable particles and/or the ions of the ionization gas into the secondary plasma region. A mass spectrometer includes such an ionization device and a detector downstream of the outlet of the ionization device for the mass-spectrometric analysis of the ionized gas.

Abstract: A method for examining a gas by mass spectrometry includes: ionizing the gas for producing ions; and storing, exciting and detecting at least some of the produced ions in an FT ion trap. Producing and storing the ions in the FT ion trap and/or exciting the ions prior to the detection of the ions in the FT ion trap includes at least one selective IFT excitation, such as a SWIFT excitation, which is dependent on the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. The disclosure further relates to a mass spectrometer. A mass spectrometer includes: an FT ion trap; and an excitation device for storing, exciting, and detecting ions in the FT ion trap.

Abstract: A method for examining a gas by mass spectrometry includes: ionizing the gas for producing ions; and storing, exciting and detecting at least some of the produced ions in an FT ion trap. Producing and storing the ions in the FT ion trap and/or exciting the ions prior to the detection of the ions in the FT ion trap includes at least one selective IFT excitation, such as a SWIFT excitation, which is dependent on the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. The disclosure further relates to a mass spectrometer. A mass spectrometer includes: an FT ion trap; and an excitation device for storing, exciting, and detecting ions in the FT ion trap.

Abstract: An ionization device includes: a plasma generating device for generating metastable particles and/or ions of an ionization gas in a primary plasma region; a field generating device for generating a glow discharge in a secondary plasma region; an inlet for supplying a gas to be ionized into the secondary plasma region; and a further inlet for supplying the metastable particles and/or the ions of the ionization gas into the secondary plasma region. A mass spectrometer includes such an ionization device and a detector downstream of the outlet of the ionization device for the mass-spectrometric analysis of the ionized gas.