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Functional Description
Mass Spectrometer
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TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
Thermo Scientific
Figure 19.
Cross-sectional view of the transfer line, ion source, and Q0 quadrupole of the TSQ Quantum GC
The L11 and L12 lenses are metal disks with a circular hole in the center through which the
ion beam can pass. Together they act as a two-element cone lens. An electrical potential can be
applied to the lens to accelerate (or decelerate) ions as they approach the lens and to focus the
ion beam as it passes through the lens. The value ranges between 0 and ±300 V. Lenses L11
and L12 also act as a vacuum baffle between the Q0 quadrupole chamber and the mass
analyzer chamber.
Mass Analyzer
The mass analyzer separates ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio and then passes them
to the ion detection system. The mass analyzer on the TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ
Quantum GC mass spectrometer consists of three quadrupole rod assemblies (Q1, Q2, and
Q3) and three lens sets.
The mass analyzer is discussed in detail in the following subtopics:
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rf and DC Fields Applied to the Quadrupoles
Ion source
ion volume
Lens L3
Transfer line
Capillary column
Q0 quadrupole
Lens L2
Lens L1
Lens L4