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Mass Spectrometer

Mass spectrometry is a logical method used to measure the mass – to – charge ratio of charges particles or the identification of chemical composition of a sample or a compound on the basis of mass – to – charge ratio of charged particles. The mass spectrometry principle consists of ionizing chemical compounds to produce charged molecule or even molecule fragments and further on measuring their mass – to – charge ratios. The equipment or instrument used in carrying out this method is the Mass Spectrometer and this instrument is used to measure the relative concentrations and masses of molecules and atoms.

The design of a mass spectrometer consists of three very important components that include;

  • The mass analyzer which applies magnetic and electric fields to arrange the charged particles or ions by their masses
  • The ion source which changes the molecules present in a sample into ionized fragments
  • The detector which senses the value of indicator quantity


Also the mass spectrometer consists of a sample inlet, a mass focuser and an ion accelerator but there are other complicated features or versions that have been manufactured onto the market with various temperatures with the highest been 400 degrees Celsius.

Mass spectrometers are also used to find unknown compounds, determining of isotopic composition of elements present in a compound, determining of the structures of a compound by studying its fragmentation, determining other chemical, biological and physical properties of a compound and also evaluating the amount of a compound present in a sample.

The procedure for the mass spectrometry method is as follows;

•    A sample is loaded onto the mass spectrometer’s ionic chamber and is allowed to vaporize, turning into gas.
•    The components of the sample are ionized by one of a variety of methods, which leads to the creation of charged particles (ions) or a beam of electrons are accelerated with high voltage.
•    These ions created are then alienated according to their mass – to charge ratio in an analyzer by electromagnetic fields. 
•    The ions are usually detected by a quantitative method
•    The ion signal is processed into mass spectra   

Today, buying the best mass spectrometer is what you need for laboratories because the type of spectrometer you use also affects the outcome of your experiments and the better or good your mass spectrometer is, the better your experiment outcomes. Giving you the opportunity to experience experiments that have no faults is the best for every laboratory technician. For the best mass spectrometer prices that also have great quality and efficiency visit www.oxfordlabs.co.uk for more inquiries.  

Mostly, the output or outcome of Mass Spectrometry is produced in the form of peaks on a chart, which is known as Mass spectrum which shows the final mass – to – charge ratio. Mass spectrometers are very sensitive detectors of isotopes depending on their masses and are mostly used in the laboratory for scientific researches and analysis. They are also very useful in carbon dating and other radioactive dating processes. Also, most companies use mass spectrometers for the recognition of minute numbers of particles intercepted in space where it has to do with satellites and space craft. Many science schools or colleges consider the mass spectrometer as a very important equipment in the whole experimental process due to its many functions that helps in coming up with clear and vivid analysis. Also the mass spectrometer can be used to find unknown particles in blood and urine.  

When using a mass spectrometer, it is very important to be very aware of its various uses and how to use it to get correct output because using or operating the mass spectrometer wrongly can end up ruining the whole experimental process and further on destroy all particles. Also, most Criminal Science Investigation departments around the world have mass spectrometers to aid them in discovering the identities of particles that are complex and this makes the investigation process for them very easy.

When under certain controlled circumstances, every material has a distinguished mass spectrum which means that recognition of sample by matching up its mass spectrum with those of unknown compounds is likely.


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