Massanalyysori

Massanalyysori is a Finnish term that translates to "mass analyzer" in English. It refers to a scientific instrument used in mass spectrometry to separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This separation is a crucial step in identifying and quantifying the components of a sample.

Mass analyzers are typically found in mass spectrometers, which are powerful analytical tools used across various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, environmental science, and forensics. The principle behind their operation involves applying electric and/or magnetic fields to the ions generated from a sample. These fields exert forces on the ions, causing them to follow different trajectories depending on their mass and charge.

There are several types of mass analyzers, each with its own strengths and applications. Common types include quadrupole mass analyzers, time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers, ion trap mass analyzers, and magnetic sector mass analyzers. Quadrupoles use oscillating electric fields to filter ions, allowing only those with a specific mass-to-charge ratio to pass through. TOF analyzers measure the time it takes for ions to travel a fixed distance, with lighter ions traveling faster. Ion traps capture ions and then selectively eject them based on their mass-to-charge ratio. Magnetic sectors use magnetic fields to deflect ions, with the degree of deflection dependent on their momentum.

The choice of mass analyzer depends on the specific analytical requirements, such as the desired resolution, mass range, sensitivity, and speed of analysis. Together with ionization sources and detectors, mass analyzers form the core components of a mass spectrometer, enabling detailed molecular analysis.