Thermo Scientific
TSQ Quantum XLS Series User Guide
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Introduction
The TSQ Quantum XLS Series systems are advanced analytical instruments that include a
mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, and the Xcalibur™ data system. See
and
.
In a typical analysis, an autosampler (AS) introduces a sample into the gas chromatograph
(GC). The GC separates the sample into its various components. The components elute from
the GC and pass into the mass spectrometer where they are analyzed.
The TSQ Quantum XLS Series 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).
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