Selective ion isolation/rejection over a broad mass range in the quadrupole ion trap

Abstract

Techniques are presented for mass-selective ion manipulation over a wide mass range in a three-dimensional quadrupole. The methods use an auxiliary, low-amplitude radio-frequency signal applied to the endcap electrodes. This signal is either held at a single frequency as the fundamental radio-frequency trapping amplitude is ramped or swept over a frequency range while the fundamental radio-frequency trapping amplitude is held at a fixed level. Ion isolation and ejection are demonstrated for ions formed within the ion trap using electron ionization and for ions injected into the ion trap formed either by an air-sustained glow discharge or by electrospray. Mass-selective ion ejection is used to reduce matrix-ion-induced space charge during ion injection, thereby producing signal enhancement for the detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene in air. Mass-selective isolation of ions with mass-to-charge ratios above the normal operating range (m / z 650) for the ion trap is also demonstrated after injection of myoglobin ions formed via electrospray.