A non-linear asymmetric error function-based least mean square approach for the analysis of multicomponent mass spectra measured by membrane inlet mass spectrometry

A nonlinear asymmetric error function-based least mean square method (NALMS ) for the deconvolution of identity and quantity of individual compounds ba sed on the multicomponent mass spectra measured by membrane inlet mass spec trometry (MIMS) was developed and detailed testing results are presented Th e method utilizes the complete mass spectra of the compounds present in a r eference library during the calculation of a solution for an unknown multic omponent mass spectrum. The results presented here and in our previous publ ications in which the NALMS method was utilized show that the method can be used to separate complex multicomponent electron ionization mass spectra i nto their individual constituents, thus considerably improving the selectiv ity of MIMS. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.