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Instrument Components definitions

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  • Vaporization
    Initial process converting a sample, regardless of phase, into a gaseous state for further analysis.
  • Ionization Chamber
    Enclosed region where a sample is bombarded with electrons, resulting in the formation of charged species.
  • Radical Cation
    Species with a positive charge and an unpaired electron, formed after electron loss during ionization.
  • Parent Ion
    Charged molecular species representing the original compound minus one electron, crucial for mass identification.
  • Acceleration
    Phase where charged particles are propelled by electrical fields, preparing them for separation.
  • Electromagnet
    Device generating a magnetic field to deflect charged ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios.
  • Deflection
    Process where charged ions are bent by magnetic fields, enabling separation according to mass-to-charge ratio.
  • Neutral Molecule
    Species not ionized during analysis, unaffected by magnetic fields and halted by chamber walls.
  • Ion Counter
    Detector that registers the arrival of charged fragments, enabling data collection for spectrum generation.
  • Mass Spectrum
    Graphical output displaying the abundance and mass of detected charged fragments from a sample.
  • Base Peak
    Tallest signal in a mass spectrum, representing the most stable and abundant charged fragment.
  • Spectroscopic Technique
    Analytical method, such as IR or NMR, used alongside mass spectrometry for comprehensive compound analysis.
  • Mass-to-Charge Ratio
    Key parameter determining how ions are separated and detected, influencing their path in the instrument.
  • Fragment
    Charged piece resulting from the breakdown of the original molecule, providing structural clues in analysis.