Electron beam throttling for electron capture dissociation

Abstract

In one aspect, an electron-ion reaction module, e.g., an electron capture dissociation module, for use in a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises a chamber, an electron source for generating electrons and introducing the electrons into the chamber, a gate electrode positioned relative to the electron source and the chamber, and a DC voltage source operatively coupled to the gate electrode for applying control voltages to the gate electrode. The electron-ion interaction module can further include a controller operably coupled to the DC voltage source and configured for adjusting the DC voltage applied to the gate electrode to adjust flow of electrons into the chamber.

Description

[0001] Related US application [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 743,265, filed October 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present teachings relate to systems and methods for electron-ion interactions in mass spectrometers. Background technique [0004] The present teachings generally relate to systems and methods for electron capture dissociation suitable for use in mass spectrometry. [0005] Tandem mass spectrometry, such as MS / MS, involves multiple stages of mass selection, with ion fragmentation occurring between certain stages. One method of ion fragmentation involves electron capture dissociation (ECD). In ECD, ions can capture one or more electrons and subsequently undergo dissociation into fragment product ions. A sufficient number of electrons is necessary for high fragmentation yields. However, if the number of electrons in the reaction ch...

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Problems solved by technology

However, this method can be slow, non-linear, and can exhibit instrument-to-instrument variability due to wear on the filament emitting surface

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