Components of a mass spectrometry
1) Inlet system : introduce a very small amount of sample ( micromole or less) into the mass spectrometer, where its components are converted to gaseous ions.
2) Ion source : converts the components of a sample into ions by bombardment with electrons, ions, molecules, or photon.
3) Mass analyzer : separates the analyte ions according to their m/z ratios.
4) Detector : converts the beam of ions into an electrical signal(currents) ; the detector output can be displayed or stored, to yield the mass spectrum.
5) Electronics of power supply and control of the systems.
6) Vacuum systems : maintain low pressures ( 10–5 to 10–8 torr); rotary vacuum oil pump, diffusion pump, turbomolecular pump.