Chemical ionization reaction or proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry with a quadrupole or time-of-flight mass spectrometer

Abstract

A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a mass spectrometry system. Applications for the system and method are also disclosed for detecting volatile organic compounds in trace concentrations. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass and peak intensity values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to mass spectrometers, and more particularly to mass spectrometry using microwave or high frequency radio frequency plasma to form reagent ions and applications thereof. Background technique [0002] Mass spectrometry generally refers to the direct measurement of particle mass values ​​or the unambiguous determination of particle mass values ​​by measuring other physical quantities using spectral data. Mass spectrometers are often involved in determining the mass-to-charge ratio of ionized molecules or components. When the charge of an ionized particle is known, the particle's mass value can be determined from the spectrum of mass values. [0003] Systems for performing mass spectrometry are known as mass spectrometers. A mass spectrometer system generally includes an ion source, a mass filter or separator, and a detector. For example, a sample of molecules or components can be ionized by affecting electrons i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Mass spectra of lower concentration components in these systems are often indistinguishable from noise due to limited dynamic range or being drowned in peak interference from higher concentration components or noise generated by electronic or mechanical equipment

A mass spectrometry system with an appropriate level of sensitivity can facilitate the detection of the presence of VOCs, but may suffer from interference from the presence of other compounds and thus cannot positively identify a specific compound or substance

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