Method and apparatus for improved signal-to-noise ratio in mass spectrometry
AssigneeThe Rockefeller University
InventorsBrian T. Chait, Andrew N. Krutchinsky
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a range of mass-to-charge ratios of a mass spectrum. Initially ions of interest and background ions having mass-to-charge ratios within the range of mass-to-charge ratios are generated. The ions of interest and the background ions are then subjected to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest. The dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of mass-to-charge ratios. The mass-to-charge ratios of the ions of interest are then detected.
Claims47
A method for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a range of mass-to-charge ratios of a mass spectrum, the method comprising:
- generating ions of interest and background ions having mass-to-charge ratios within the range of mass-to-charge ratios;
- subjecting the ions of interest and the background ions to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest, wherein dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of mass-to-charge ratios;
- and
- detecting the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions of interest.
In a mass spectrometer (i) that comprises a source of ions of interest and background ions, a mass-to-charge analyzer, and a means to transport the ions from the source to the analyzer;
- and (ii) that produces a mass spectrum of signals representing the ions of interest and the background ions in a selected range of mass-to-charge ratios:
- the improvement wherein the mass spectrometer further comprises a means to subject the ions of interest and the background ions to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest, wherein dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of selected mass-to-charge ratios, whereby the ratio of signal-to-noise in the selected range of mass-to-charge ratios of the mass spectrometer is increased.
In a mass spectrometer (i) that comprises a source of ions of interest and background ions, a mass-to-charge analyzer, and a structure for transporting the ions from the source to the analyzer;
- and (ii) that produces a mass spectrum of signals representing the ions of interest and the background ions in a selected range of mass-to-charge ratios:
- the improvement wherein the mass spectrometer further comprises an activation energy unit to subject the ions of interest and the background ions to an activation energy sufficient to cause dissociation of background ions to an extent greater than the dissociation of the ions of interest, wherein dissociation of the background ions causes the background ions to have mass-to-charge ratios that fall outside of the range of selected mass-to-charge ratios, whereby the ratio of signal-to-noise in the selected range of mass-to-charge ratios of the mass spectrometer is increased.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.