Method and apparatus for identification of samples using a multi reflection time of flight mass spectrometer

摘要

A multi reflection time of flight (MRTOF) mass spectrometer 12 and method for identifying a sample is disclosed. Sample ions are generated at an ion source 15. The MRTOF is a closed mirror arrangement with first and second opposed ion mirrors 20, 20' on an axis of reflection XX'. The MRTOF 12 also includes a bidirectional ion deflector 50 on the axis XX'. The deflector 50 deflects ions onto the reflection axis as a short pulse at time to where they oscillate multiple times, separating in time of flight according to ion m/z. At a later time t1, ions travelling in both directions along the axis XX' are ejected out of the MRTOF 12 by the bidirectional deflector 50 to an ion detector arrangement 55. The separation of ions in time of flight allows a "fingerprint" of a biological sample to be produced by the detector arrangement 55 without the need to assign a mass to each peak. Comparison with a library of fingerprints permits identification.