Questions on Magnetic Sector Mass Analyzer

1. Explain the working of magnetic sector mass analyzer?

A: Magnetic sector instruments separate ions in a magnetic field according to
the momentum and charge of the ion. Ions are accelerated from the source
region into the magnetic sector by a 1 to 10 kV electric field.As the ions are
charged when they move through the magnetic field it
bends the ion beam into an arc.The relation between
m/z and r is given by

2.What is the difference between Double Focussing Mass analyzer and Magnetic
sector mass analyzer?
A:

In this picture as we see the inclusion of the electric field after magnetic field
gives more resolution as compared to only magnetic analyzer in which the peaks
will be broader that is there us more disturbance.By adding electrostatic analyzer
the peaks have 10 times more resolution compared to magnetic sector mass
analyzer. Because velocities of compounds having same m/z ratio will be same
that results in sharper and narrower peaks.
 3.What are the advantages of Magnetic Sector Mass Analyzer?
● Mass independent resolution: in a magnetic sector, once the resolution is
set, the resolution value is valid for the complete mass range.For example,if
the resolution 10.000 is set, each mass has a resolution of 10.000 (e.g. 100
m/z has the same resolution as 1000 m/z).This implies that analytical
selectivity is same for a whole range of mass,but for all other equipment
resolution is mass dependent.
● Ion separation in space: With given settings in the magnetic sector, the
ions are deflected in different paths according to their masses. Settings can
be changed so that only one type of ion reaches the detector at the time,
without interferences from the other ions.

Research paper-1

4.What is the use of miniaturised light-weight magnetic sector?

A: It is field portable and very very power efficient because it does not require
much flow rates which can be accommodated by using smaller pumps,
resulting in power consumption.Also some samples which are harmful to carry
can also be analysed in the field itself.

Research paper-2

5.Do you suggest a single pump or double pump mechanism for electrospray ion
source for magnetic analyzer?
 ● By reducing the pressure in the region of high voltage ion acceleration, high
resolution, good mass accuracy, and high sensitivity can be achieved with an
electrospray ion source interfaced to a high performance magnetic sector
mass spectrometer.
● The necessary pressures can be achieved using only a single-stage of
mechanical pumping.
● Thus, with a relatively simple interface, the advantages of a high
performance magnetic sector mass spectrometer can be realized for
electrospray ionization.

Research paper-3

6.What did space evaluation of miniature mass analyzer resulted in?

● The absolute resolution of this device is less than 1 amu.
● In November 2012, the mass spectrometer was carried by experimental
satellite to 499km sun synchronization and is still working right now.
● It successfully detected the atmosphere compositions both in the satellite
orbit and gas-emitted from satellite, including O, He, 12CO2, 13CO2, H2,
N2, O2, H2O, and so on.