Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry is one of the most important analytical techniques available, and part of the power of the technique lies in its ability to detect minute quantities of material - 100 picograms or less. A mass spectrometer determines the mass of a molecule by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of its ion. Ions are generated by inducing either the loss or gain of a charge from a neutral species. Once formed, ions are electrostatically directed into a mass analyzer, where they are separated according to m/z and finally detected. In general the results of a MS or MS/MS experiment are compared to standards in a database to determine the components of the original sample.