Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry is based on image current detection of coherently excited
ion cyclotron motion. The detected signal magnitude and peak shape may be understood from idealized behavior: single
ion, zero-pressure, spatially uniform magnetic field, three-dimensional axial quadrupolar electrostatic trapping potential, and
spatially uniform resonant alternating electric field. In practice, deviation from any of the above conditions will shift, distort,
split, and/or coalesce FT-ICR mass spectral peaks. Fortunately, such peak distortions may typically be avoided by appropriate
experimental design and/or greatly minimized by internal frequency-to-m/z calibration. Various aspects of modern FT-ICR detection (hardware and software) are discussed. (Int J Mass Spectrom 215 (2002) 59–75) © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All
rights reserved.