Question

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using an ion trap and a mass analyzer?

Answer 1

Mass Analyzers:

Benefits .

Double focusing magnetic sector mass analyzers are the "classical" model against which other mass analyzers are compared.
. Classical mass spectra
. Very high reproducibility
. Best quantitative performance of all mass spectrometer analyzers
. High resolution
. High sensitivity
. High dynamic range
. Linked scan MS/MS does not require another analyzer
. High-energy CID MS/MS spectra are very reproducible

Limitations
. Not well-suited for pulsed ionization methods (e.g. MALDI)
. Usually larger and higher cost than other mass analyzers
. Linked scan MS/MS gives either limited precursor selectivity with unit product-ion resolution, or unit precursor selection with poor product-ion resolution

Benefits

. The highest recorded mass resolution of all mass spectrometers
. Powerful capabilities for ion chemistry and MS/MS experiments
. Well-suited for use with pulsed ionization methods such as MALDI
. Non-destructive ion detection; ion remeasurement
. Stable mass calibration in superconducting magnet FTICR systems

Limitations
. Limited dynamic range
. Strict low-pressure requirements mandate an external source for most analytical applications
. Subject to space charge effects and ion molecule reactions
. Artifacts such as harmonics and sidebands are present in the mass spectra
. Many parameters (excitation, trapping, detection conditions) comprise the experiment sequence that defines the quality of the mass spectrum
. Generally low-energy CID, spectrum depends on collision energy, collision gas, and other parameters.