Improved Quantitative Dynamic Range of Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry by Simultaneously Waveform-Averaging and Ion-Counting Data Acquisition

• DOI: 10.1007/s13361-018-1967-1
• Publication Date: 2018-04-26T13:47:49Z
• Authors: Yosuke Kawai; Toshinobu Hondo; Kirk R. Jensen; Michisato Toyoda; Kentaro Terada
• Keywords: Time-of-Flight; Dead time

Two different types of data acquisition methods, "averaging mode" and "ion-counting mode", have been used in a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The most common method is an averaging mode that sums waveform signals obtained from each flight cycle. While it possible to process many ions arriving at the same TOF one cycle, low-abundance are difficult measure because ion overwhelmed by noises detection system. An ion-counting suitable for such low-concentration ions, but counting loss occurs when two or more arrive detector within dead time In this study, we introduce technique combines methods target with high concentration difference, i.e., simultaneously abundant trace respectively. By processing waveforms concurrently during acquisition, can choose analyze either both achieve highly quantitative spectrum over wide range sample concentrations. result argon isotope analysis shows provides accurate determination ratio compared alone one-twentieth required alone. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.