Chemistry and Physics Faculty Articles

Title

Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry: Instrumentation, Ion Motion and Applications

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2008

Publication Title

Mass Spectrometry Reviews

Keywords

Broadband AC dipolar excitation, High resolution, Resolving power, Mass accuracy, Peak shape, Fourier transform, FT-MS, Hybrid spectrometer, Ion motion control, Ion trap, Orbitrap, Simulations

ISSN

0277-7037

Volume

27

Issue/No.

6

First Page

661

Last Page

699

Abstract

Since its introduction, the orbitrap has proven to be a robust mass analyzer that can routinely deliver high resolving power and mass accuracy. Unlike conventional ion traps such as the Paul and Penning traps, the orbitrap uses only electrostatic fields to confine and to analyze injected ion populations. In addition, its relatively low cost, simple design and high space‐charge capacity make it suitable for tackling complex scientific problems in which high performance is required. This review begins with a brief account of the set of inventions that led to the orbitrap, followed by a qualitative description of ion capture, ion motion in the trap and modes of detection. Various orbitrap instruments, including the commercially available linear ion trap–orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometers, are also discussed with emphasis on the different methods used to inject ions into the trap. Figures of merit such as resolving power, mass accuracy, dynamic range and sensitivity of each type of instrument are compared. In addition, experimental techniques that allow mass‐selective manipulation of the motion of confined ions and their potential application in tandem mass spectrometry in the orbitrap are described. Finally, some specific applications are reviewed to illustrate the performance and versatility of the orbitrap mass spectrometers.

Comments

©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Additional Comments

NSF grant #: CHE-0412782; Office of Naval Research grant #: N00014-05-1-0454; Thermo Finnigan grant #: 1320036659

DOI

10.1002/mas.20186

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Peer Reviewed

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