Jane Yang (Presenter)
UCSD
Authorship: Jane Y. Yang
University of California, San Diego
| Short Abstract Tuning, which involves mass calibration and mass resolution, is fundamental to operating a mass spectrometer. This overview will introduce basic concepts to empower novice users understand what happens when the mass spectrometer is tuned. |
Long Abstract
This session uses diagrams, images, and videos to demonstrate how tuning a mass spectrometer affects the data acquired. Videos captured from infusion of standards will be used to demonstrate how a full scan spectrum is obtained. Basic definitions of terms commonly used in mass spectrometry such as average mass, nominal mass, and isotopes will be defined in order to give attendees the ability to communicate with service engineers.
Tuning a mass spectrometer involves mass calibration to ensure that the measured masses match the expected (calculated) masses for reference compounds. Another important aspect of mass spectrometer tuning involves adjusting the resolution of the instrument, which affects the ability to separate different m/z values. During this session, we will use several example tuning compounds to illustrate how the instrument is tuned in terms of mass accuracy, resolution, and signal to noise.
By the end of the session, users should be able to:
1. Understand the difference between acquiring data in profile vs. centroid mode
2. Define average mass vs. nominal mass
3. Define the common isotopes of carbon
4. Define mass accuracy, mass resolution, and signal to noise
5. Understand how mass resolution affects instrument sensitivity.
References & Acknowledgements:
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| Grants | no | |
| Salary | no | |
| Board Member | no | |
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| Expenses | no |
IP Royalty: no
| Planning to mention or discuss specific products or technology of the company(ies) listed above: | no |