1
Introduction
2
TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
Thermo Scientific
Figure 1.
TSQ Quantum GC mass spectrometer, TriPlus autosampler, and TRACE GC Ultra gas
chromatograph
The TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC mass spectrometers include an electron
ionization/chemical ionization (EI/CI) ion source, ion optics, a triple-stage mass analyzer, and
an ion detection system, all of which are enclosed in a vacuum manifold. Ionization of the
sample takes place in the ion source. The specific process used to ionize the sample is known
as the ionization mode. The ion optics transmit the ions produced in the ion source into the
mass analyzer, where they are filtered according to their mass-to-charge ratio. The polarity of
the potentials applied to the lenses in the ion source and ion optics determines whether
positively charged ions or negatively charged ions are transmitted to the mass analyzer. You
can configure the mass spectrometer to analyze positively or negatively charged ions (called
the
positive
or
negative ion polarity mode
).
The mass spectrometer’s triple-stage mass analyzer performs either one or two stages of mass
analysis:
• The mass spectrometer is operated as a conventional mass spectrometer with one stage of
mass analysis. The ion source ionizes the sample and the ion products are subjected to
mass analysis in the first rod assembly. The second and third rod assemblies transmit the
resulting mass-selected ions to the ion detection system.
1