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The Evolution and Working Principle of the Mass Spectrometer
The mass spectrometer has transformed scientific analysis, evolving from a bulky laboratory instrument into a compact, precise, and versatile analytical tool. It measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, providing researchers with critical information about the elemental and molecular composition of substances. This technology has become a cornerstone in analytical chemistry, biotechnology, environmental science, and even space exploration.
The working principle of a mass spectrometer is elegant yet highly technical. First, a sample is ionized—converted into charged particles—using methods such as electron ionization or electrospray ionization. These ions are then accelerated through a magnetic or electric field, which separates them based on their mass-to-charge ratios. Finally, a detector records the number and intensity of ions, generating a mass spectrum—a unique signature of the analyzed compound.
Mass spectrometry offers unmatched sensitivity, capable of detecting substances at trace levels. It can identify molecules within complex mixtures and quantify them with exceptional accuracy. For…
