Systems and methods for performing a check of a differential mobility spectrometer

A system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising:

• a sample ejector for ejecting a standard sample from a sample source;
• an open port interface (OPI) for receiving the ejected sample;
• an ionization source communicatively coupled to the OPI;
• a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) disposed proximate the ionization source, wherein the ionization source is configured to deliver the sample to the DMS;
• a mass spectrometer (MS);
• a processor;
• and
• memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations comprising:
• introducing the standard sample to the DMS;
• analyzing the standard sample with the DMS;
• generating data based at least in part on an analyte ion generated from the standard sample and at least one transport gas composition;
• accessing library data of the analyte ion from a library;
• comparing the generated data to the library data;
• sending a signal, by a processor, when a difference between the generated data and the library data exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to a deviation in compensation voltage (CoV) space;
• and
• controlling operation of the DMS or sample introduction system based on the signal.

A method of operating a system comprising a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) and a mass spectrometer, the method comprising:

• generating a standard sample alpha curve based at least in part on an analyte ion generated from a standard sample and at least one transport gas composition;
• comparing the standard sample alpha curve to a known alpha curve;
• sending an operational condition signal, by a processor, based at least in part on the comparison;
• and
• controlling operation of the DMS or sample introduction system based on the operational condition signal.