Systems and multiplexing methods for measuring the mass of multiple large molecules simultaneously using multiple ion trapping with charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) are described. The methods trap ions with a broad range of energies that decouple ion frequency and m/z measurements allowing energy measurements of each ion throughout the acquisition. The ion energy may be obtained from the ratio of the intensity of the fundamental to the second harmonic frequencies of the periodic trapping oscillation making it possible to measure both the m/z and charge of each ion. Because ions with the exact same m/z but different energies appear at different frequencies, the probability of ion-ion interference is significantly reduced. By maximizing the decoupling of ion m/z from frequency, the rate of signal overlap is significantly reduced making it possible to trap more ions and substantially reduce analysis time.

A non-destructive method for detecting charged particles, includes measuring a reference value of at least one physical parameter of an ion cloud confined in an ion trap; performing an injection of a sample in the ion cloud confined in the ion trap, the sample crossing the ion cloud and getting out the ion cloud without being trapped inside the ion trap; measuring a first experimental value of the at least one physical parameter of the ion cloud; and comparing the first experimental value with the reference value in order to determine the presence of at least one charged particle in the sample, or the absence of any charged particle in the sample.

An interface transports ions from a first pressure environment to a lower pressure analysis instrument and may include a first region pumped to a second pressure less than the first pressure, a first ion funnel disposed in the first region, a first ion carpet in the first region opposite an ion outlet end of the first ion funnel, a second region pumped to a third pressure less than the second pressure and greater than the instrument pressure, a second ion funnel disposed in the second region and a second ion carpet in the second region opposite an ion outlet end of the second ion funnel. Ions from the environment pass sequentially through the first and second ion funnels and into the analysis instrument. Each of the first and second ion funnels define a tapered axial passageway therethrough each defining a respective virtual jet disrupter therein.

The present disclosure relates to a method of identifying components present in a lipoprotein. Methods provided include single particle mass spectrometry, such as charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS). Distinct subpopulations that exist within lipoprotein classes are determined by correlating m/z and mass.

An ion trap such as an ion cyclotron resonance analyzer cell (trap) is described wherein the ion trap comprises a plurality of electrodes and has at least one integrated ion detector, preferably a position-sensitive and/or time-sensitive ion detector, wherein at least part of said ion detector is configured as an electrode of said ion trap. Methods of position-sensitive detection of ions in such ion trap are described as well.

Apparatus for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion source, a heater for heating a gas flow to the ion source, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the heater, and a control system. The control system is arranged and adapted to determine a flow rate of the gas flow by monitoring the power supplied to the heater and the temperature of the heater.

A method and device for measuring ion concentration in a defined space including disposing at least one conductive surface in a defined space, generating a flow of ions from an ion generator having an anode and a cathode into the defined space, measuring one of voltage across or direct current (DC) through a resistor connected between the cathode and the at least one conductive surface, and determining ion concentration in the defined space based upon a proportionality of ion concentration to the measured voltage or current.

A solvent trap for integration with a mass spectrometry system includes an enclosure defining an internal space; a wet gas inlet port configured to receive a gaseous flow from an ion source; a liquids outlet port configured to enable liquids to flow under gravity from the internal space; and a dry gas outlet port configured to exhaust gas from the internal space.

Before a sample is pierced with a probe of a PESI ion source, a total ion current is measured under a condition with no voltage applied from a high voltage generator to the probe as well as under a condition with the voltage applied. If the probe is properly attached to the holder, a considerable difference in total ion current occurs between the period with no voltage applied and the period with the voltage applied. By comparison, if the probe is improperly attached, no significant difference in the total ion current occurs between the period with no voltage applied and the period with the voltage applied. Referring to a threshold determined under the normal condition, a probe attachment checker detects an insufficient attachment of the probe by checking the difference in the total ion current, and displays an error message on a display unit if an improper attachment is detected.

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.