DC potentials applied to an end-cap electrode of a 3D ion trap for enhanced MSn functionality

The effects of the application of various DC magnitudes and polarities to an end-cap of a 3D quadrupole ion trap throughout a mass spectrometry experiment were investigated. Application of a monopolar DC field was achieved by applying a DC potential to the exit end-cap electrode, while maintaining the entrance end-cap electrode at ground potential. Control over the monopolar DC magnitude and polarity during time periods associated with ion accumulation, mass analysis, ion isolation, ion/ion reaction, and ion activation can have various desirable effects. Included amongst these are increased ion capture efficiency, increased ion ejection efficiency during mass analysis, effective isolation of ions using lower AC resonance ejection amplitudes, improved temporal control of the overlap of oppositely charged ion populations, and the performance of “broad-band” collision induced dissociation (CID). These results suggest general means to improve the performance of the 3D ion trap in a variety of mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry experiments.

Graphical abstractThe application of positive or negative DC to the exit end-cap of a 3D ion trap at various points in an MSn experiment can provide either enhanced performance or new functionalities.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (146 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ The effects of the application of various DC magnitudes and polarities to an end-cap of a 3D quadrupole ion trap throughout a mass spectrometry experiment were investigated. Application of a monopolar DC field was achieved by applying a DC potential to the exit end-cap electrode, while maintaining the entrance end-cap electrode at ground potential. Control over the monopolar DC magnitude and polarity during time periods associated with ion accumulation, mass analysis, ion isolation, ion/ion reaction, and ion activation can have various desirable effects. Included amongst these are increased ion capture efficiency, increased ion ejection efficiency during mass analysis, effective isolation of ions using lower AC resonance ejection amplitudes, improved temporal control of the overlap of oppositely charged ion populations, and the performance of “broad-band” collision induced dissociation (CID). These results suggest general means to improve the performance of the 3D ion trap in a variety of mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry experiments.