A calibration apparatus for a mass analyzer includes an ion source device and a dual-purpose electron beam generating unit. The ion source device ionizes an analyte of a sample, producing analyte ions. The dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is positioned between the ion source device and the mass analyzer. In a first mode, the dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is used to create fragments of analyte ions of unknown mass-to-charge ratio. In a second mode, the dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is used to create ions of calibration compounds of known mass-to-charge ratio. All ions are subsequently transferred to the mass analyzer.

The present invention relates to a method for producing test pieces in which the thickness of the samples of homogeneous water-insoluble material is uniform, and to a method for quantitative analysis of water-insoluble material by analyzing such test pieces using MALDI mass spectrometry. Specifically, the test pieces can be produced by: adding a volatile solvent to a mixture of water-insoluble material and matrix; placing, in a pellet cup made of water-soluble material, and pressing, with even pressure, the sample obtained by mixing the mixture of water-insoluble material and matrix until the solvent has evaporated; and melting the pellet cup with water.

A tuning system may acquire, from a mass spectrometer during a batch of one or more analytical runs performed with the mass spectrometer, tune data associated with an operating characteristic of the mass spectrometer. The tuning system may determine, based on the tune data, a value of an operating parameter configured to adjust the operating characteristic of the mass spectrometer and set the operating parameter to the determined value.

The present invention relates to a method of improving a mass spectrometer, a module for improving a mass spectrometer and an improved mass spectrometer. The aforementioned method employs a calibration correction module that calibrates the mass spectrometer so timely, more precise and accurate data can be obtained. In particular, real time, accurate mass determinations of low analyte quantity samples can be obtained.

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: performing a plurality of cycles of operation during a single experimental run, wherein each cycle comprises: mass selectively transmitting precursor ions of a single mass, or range of masses, through or out of a mass separator or mass filter at any given time, wherein the mass separator or mass filter is operated such that the single mass or range of masses transmitted therefrom is varied with time; and mass analysing ions.

Systems and methods are described for calibrating an analytical instrument analyzing a plurality of sample matrices in series. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a sample analysis device configured to receive a plurality of samples from a plurality of remote sampling systems and to determine an intensity of one or more species of interest contained in each of the plurality of samples; and a controller configured to generate a primary calibration curve based on analysis of a first standard solution having a first sample matrix by the sample analysis device and generate at least one secondary calibration curve based on analysis of a second standard solution having a second sample matrix by the sample analysis device, the controller configured to associate the at least one secondary calibration curve with the primary calibration curve according to a matrix correction factor.

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: performing a plurality of cycles of operation during a single experimental run, wherein each cycle comprises: mass selectively transmitting precursor ions of a single mass, or range of masses, through or out of a mass separator or mass filter at any given time, wherein the mass separator or mass filter is operated such that the single mass or range of masses transmitted therefrom is varied with time; and mass analysing ions.

Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.

A mass spectrometry method includes: preparing calibration data for performing calibration on a basis of first data obtained by detecting a chlorobiphenyl in first mass spectrometry of a reference sample of the chlorobiphenyl; acquiring second data obtained by detecting, in second mass spectrometry of a sample, at least one chlorobiphenyl that has a same chlorine number as and is different in kind from the chlorobiphenyl detected in the first mass spectrometry; and calculating a quantitative value for the chlorobiphenyl contained in the sample on a basis of the calibration data and the second data.

Apparatus is disclosed comprising a first ion source (210) arranged and adapted to emit a spray of charged droplets (211) and a detector or sensor (203) arranged and adapted automatically to detect, sense or determine one or more first parameters or properties of the spray of charged droplets (211) as the spray of charged droplets (211) impacts upon a surface of the detector or sensor 203. The apparatus further comprises a control system (204) arranged and adapted to adjust, correct and/or optimise one or more second parameters or properties of the spray of charged droplets (211) based on the one or more first parameters or properties of the spray of charged droplets (211) detected, sensed or determined by the detector or sensor (203).