Mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry

1. Deflection

   • Positive ions path altered
     • Magnetic field used
   • Lighter ions have less momentum
     • Deflected more Than heavier ions
     • Only ions with a particular mass/charge ration make it to detector

2. Vaporisation

   • Sample turned into gas
     • Electrical heater used

3. Ionisation

   • Gas particles bombarded
     • By high energy electrons
       • Ionises them
   • Electrons knocked off the particles
     • Leaving positive ions

4. Acceleration

   • Positive ions accelerated
     • By electric field

5. Detection

   • Magnetic field strengths lowly increased
     • Changes mass/charge ratio of ions that can reach detector
       • A mass spectrum is produced