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Frequently Asked Question
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
How does Faraday cup detector work in mass spectrometry?
Accepted Answer
A Faraday cup detector in mass spectrometry measures the ion current by collecting the ions. Here's how it works:
1. Ion Impact: Ions from the mass spectrometer enter the Faraday cup, which is a metal cylinder with a small opening.
2. Electron Collection: The ions strike the metal surface, releasing electrons. These electrons are collected by a negatively charged electrode inside the cup.
3. Current Measurement: The flow of electrons creates a measurable current, which is proportional to the number of ions hitting the cup.
Faraday cup detectors are simple, robust, and offer a wide dynamic range. They are especially useful for detecting high-energy ions and are commonly used in time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry.
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