Functional Description
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___________________________________________________________________ MS Detector
_______________________ Finnigan LTQ Hardware Manual _____________________
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Ion Max Ion Source
The Ion Max ion source is the part of the API source that is at atmospheric
pressure. The Ion Max ion source can be configured to operate in any of
several API modes, including: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric
pressure chemical ionization (APCI), nanospray ionization (NSI), and
atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). See Figure 2-7. The ions
produced in the API source are transmitted by the ion optics into the mass
analyzer, where they are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio.
The Ion Max ion source housing allows you to quickly switch between
ionization modes without the need for specialized tools. The ventilation of the
ion source housing ensures that the housing is always cool and easy to handle.
Pressure in the ion source housing is kept at atmospheric levels, which
reduces the chemical noise that can be caused by nebulized gases when they
are not properly evacuated from the ion source. The probe mounting angle is
fixed at the optimum angle for signal intensity and ion source robustness.
Minor adjustment of the probe position in the X, Y, and Z dimensions is
allowed, with marked adjustments to allow for freedom in probe position
Figure 2-7. Ion Max ion source with ESI probe attached
