Adaptive Sampling for Enhanced Performance of an Ion Detection System for a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

摘要

Detection and tabulation of mass-selected ions are the primary means of data acquisition for mass spectrometers. Previous detection systems have been limited in dynamic range, or in data throughput, so that inefficient and limited use of the ion information resulted. Analysis of the statistical properties of randomly arriving ions and the use of state-of-the-art technologies have led to the development of an enhanced ion detection system (IDS) for a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS). An adaptive sampling technique maximizes data throughput without distorting relative error or limiting dynamic range. This microprocessor-based system measures flux rates from 10 to the zero power to 10 to the 9th power ions per second up to a maximum relative error of 1%; sampling periods are reduced to their statistically defined minimums. Preliminary tests have validated the correctness of the IDS design along with its capability for on-line customized operation through the use of powerful and flexible high-level software. (Author)