Quadrupole Mass Analyzers

In quadrupole mass analyzing devices, electric fields are used to separate ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) as they pass along the central axis of four parallel equidistant rods (or poles) that have fixed (DC) and alternating (RF) voltages applied to them. 

Topics include:

• Quadrupole rods
• Quadrupole voltages
• Quadrupole electrostatic fields
• Quadrupole ion trajectories
• Equations of motion
• Mass gain and offset
• Resolution and sensitivity
• Data acquisition modes
• Scan vs. selected ion modes
• RF only ion bridges
• Mass accuracy
• Quadrupole performance limitations
• Scanning speeds
• Tandem quadrupole mass analyzers
• Detection system