This article discusses the importance of dynamic range in mass spectrometers and how wide dynamic range is achieved in time-of-flight mass spectrometers. It also explains how a detector using analog-to-digital converter technology can significantly improve dynamic range compared to older detector technologies.
This document is a technical overview by Doug McIntyre of Agilent Technologies, Inc., discussing the advantages of wide dynamic range in orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers. It explains how a wide dynamic range simplifies sample preparation, allows for the continuous introduction of reference mass compounds to enhance accuracy, and improves the detection of low-abundance compounds in complex mixtures.
| Dynamic Range | three to four orders of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Mass Accuracy | better than 3 ppm |
| ADC Sampling Rate | a billion times per second |
It allows the continuous introduction of a reference mass compound at a low abundance, ensuring maximum mass accuracy without drift or chemical interferences.
The mass accuracy is better than 3 ppm.