INTERACTIVE MASS SPECTROMETRY

This long awaited addition to our range of interactive training software is now available. Written by an experienced practical mass spectroscopist, it contains a wealth of information about all aspects of mass spectrometry.

It gives comprehensive descriptions, with animated, interactive demonstrations, of the principles, instrumentation and practical applications of Mass Spectrometry. There are self-test questions on each module.

Its six modules are as follows:

1. Principles of Mass Spectrometry
Introduction: Mass separation, mass spectrum, mass spectrometer.
Electric and magnetic fields: ions in electric fields, electrostatic lenses, motion in electric and magnetic fields.
Vacuum systems: vacuum pumps, rotary vane pumps, 2 stage pumps, kinetic pumps, diffusion pumps, turbo molecular pumps.
Interpretation of mass spectra: mass resolution, isotope patterns, fragmentation processes, resonance stabilization.

2. Ion Sources
Gaseous sample introduction: electron impact, chemical ionization, negative ion chemical ionization, field ionization.
Liquid sample introduction: FAB, FAB source, LSIMS, thermospray, ESI, electrospray source, APCI, ICP.
Solid sample introduction: field desorption, MALDI, plasma desorption MS, thermal ionization, glow discharge.

3. Mass Analyzers & Detectors
Mass analyzers: Sector instruments - magnetic sector & electric sector, double focusing MS, quadrupole mass filters, Mathieu stability diagram, the ion trap, FTICR mass spectrometers, TOF MS
Detectors: Principles of ion detection, direct measurement detectors, multiplier detectors, discrete dynode multiplier, channel electron multipliers, MCPs, PADs.

4. Applications & Hyphenated Techniques
Qualitative analysis: molecular weights, fragmentation patterns.
Quantitative analysis: internal standards, selected ion monitoring.
GC-MS: direct coupling, open-split coupling, jet separator, example with real data from an industrial application.
LC-MS: direct liquid introduction, particle beam interface, continuous flow FAB, thermospray, atmospheric pressure sources, example with real data from an industrial application, other hyphenated techniques.

5. Tandem MS
Introduction, collision cell; link scans on a sector instrument; four sector instruments, array detectors; triple quadrupole instruments; hybrid instruments , (MS)n using trapping instruments; example application: peptide sequencing.

6. Questions & Answers
Ten multiple choice questions on each of:
Principles of mass spectrometry
Ion sources
Mass analyzers & detectors
MS analysis & Tandem MS

Interactive MS is one of a range of interactive training packages for analytical chemistry: also available are Interactive AAS, ICP, HPLC, GC and GC Applications & Method Development. They are suitable for both university students and laboratory staff, giving sufficient emphasis to both theory and practise. Network versions are available.

There is now a wealth of research demonstrating the advantages of computer-based training as compared to traditional methods: increased understanding and retention, shorter training time, constant availability, flexibility of use and considerable cost savings. Training is no longer dependent upon having access to instruments, and can be tailored to individual requirements.

Trainees can watch the animation demonstrating the working of the instrument; adjust parameters to see their effect; pursue their own lines of inquiry; and return to areas of uncertainty. The software has a free flow, open-ended structure which enables the user to browse freely through its pages, or to follow the programmed order. Thus a useful session may last 10 minutes or several hours.