massspektromeetriaks

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It is widely employed in chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science for identifying and quantifying unknown compounds, determining the isotopic composition of elements, and elucidating molecular structures. The process generally involves three main stages: ionization, mass analysis, and detection.

In the ionization stage, molecules are converted into charged ions. Various ionization methods exist, tailored to the type of sample, such as electron ionization (EI), electrospray ionization (ESI), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Once ionized, these ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio in a mass analyzer. Common types of mass analyzers include quadrupole, time-of-flight (TOF), and magnetic sector analyzers. Each type employs different physical principles to achieve separation. Finally, the separated ions are detected, typically by measuring their impact on a detector surface and generating an electrical signal proportional to their abundance. The resulting data is presented as a mass spectrum, a plot of ion intensity versus mass-to-charge ratio. This spectrum serves as a unique fingerprint for the analyzed substance, allowing for identification and quantification. Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for analyzing complex mixtures and trace amounts of substances.