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Difference between continues mass analyzer and pulsed mass analyzer
Accepted Answer
In mass spectrometry, mass analyzers are crucial components that separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The key difference between continuous and pulsed mass analyzers lies in how they introduce and analyze ions:
Continuous Mass Analyzers:
Ion introduction: Ions are continuously introduced into the analyzer.
Analysis: Ions are separated based on their m/z in a continuous stream, resulting in a continuous signal.
Examples: Quadrupole, ion trap, magnetic sector.
Pulsed Mass Analyzers:
Ion introduction: Ions are introduced in short bursts or pulses.
Analysis: Ions are separated based on their time of flight (TOF) to reach a detector after being pulsed.
Examples: Time-of-flight (TOF), MALDI-TOF.
Here's a simplified analogy: Imagine a continuous stream of cars driving down a highway (continuous mass analyzer). Each car has a different speed, representing different m/z ratios. A pulsed mass analyzer would be like a race where all cars start at the same time (pulsed ion introduction) and finish in different orders based on their speeds (TOF).
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