Quadrupole Time of Flight

Hybrid Architecture

Quadrupole mass filters operate in continuous pass mode for full scan profiling or narrow isolation windows for targeted tandem mass analysis. Ion transfer optics focus precursor ions into collision cells where argon gas induces fragmentation. High-speed time of flight drift tubes convert kinetic velocity differences into exact mass-to-charge values.

Mass Resolution

Resolving power exceeding thirty thousand enables exact mass determination to four decimal places, distinguishing isobaric chemical structures. Flight tube reflector mirrors correct initial energy distributions among identical mass ions, sharpening mass spectral peaks. Calibration accuracy remains stable through controlled drift tube temperature regulation.

Structural Elucidation

Precise mass fragmentation patterns generated in collision cells reconstruct chemical structures of unknown additives and extractables. Isotopic fine structure matches confirm chemical formulas containing sulfur, chlorine, or organometallic elements. Software algorithms match experimental spectra against additive databases, identifying degradation products in recycled plastic batches.