TOFanalüsaatorid

TOFanalüsaatorid, also known as Time-of-Flight analyzers, are a class of mass spectrometers. They operate on the principle that ions with different mass-to-charge ratios will travel at different speeds through a field-free drift tube. When ions are accelerated to the same kinetic energy, lighter ions will move faster than heavier ions. This difference in speed allows for the separation and detection of ions based on their mass.

The process begins with the ionization of the sample material. Various ionization techniques can be employed, depending on the nature of the sample. Once ionized, the ions are accelerated by an electric field, giving them a uniform kinetic energy. They then enter a drift tube, a region where they travel without further acceleration or deceleration. As the ions traverse this tube, their velocities diverge based on their mass-to-charge ratio. At the end of the drift tube, a detector measures the arrival time of each ion packet. By knowing the length of the drift tube and the acceleration voltage, the mass-to-charge ratio of each ion can be calculated from its measured flight time.

TOFanalüsaatorid are known for their high sensitivity, rapid acquisition speeds, and wide dynamic range. They are versatile instruments used in a variety of applications, including proteomics, metabolomics, environmental analysis, and space exploration. Their ability to analyze complex mixtures and identify unknown compounds makes them valuable tools in scientific research and industrial quality control.