PNNL

Abstract

Over the nearly century-long existence of mass spectrometry, the technique has evolved from a researchlaboratory novelty to a well-characterized, widely employed method of analysis. With currently available technology, it is possible to dissect a sample and determine its composition, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in bulk and at trace levels, with a great deal of sensitivity and precision. However, the majority of recent advances in MS technology have focused on improving sample introduction methods and mass analyzer performance, with relatively little attention paid to ion detection.