Fourier transform mass spectrometry

Abstract

Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS), also known as FT Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT ICR MS), is a technique that effectively determines ionic mass to charge ratio, m/q, from experimentally measurable ion cyclotron frequency, ω-c$/. The FTMS instrument performs the functions of ion formation, detection and analysis in the same region (ion cell) by separating these functions in time. The most notable features of FTMS are: (i) simultaneous detection of all masses; (ii) high upper mass limit; (iii) high mass resolution; (iv) accurate mass measurements; (v) long term ion storage; (vi) multistage mass spectrometry (MSn); (vii) compatibility with pulsed ionization techniques (such as laser desorption/ionization, LD/I). LD/I FTMS has now been used extensively for the ionization and structural characterization of nonvolatile, thermally labile organic and inorganic compounds.