Flexible open-cell design for internal-source matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

A new Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) cell design is desc ribed that improves the performance of internal-source matrix-assisted lase r desorption/ionization (MALDI) applications. The design employs a capaciti vely coupled open FTICR cell and a ring electrode placed between the ion so urce and the ICR cell. The flexibility of our open-cell design allows the u se of several different trapping schemes for ion detection. Elimination of the drift time dependence in a MALDI experiment, ion accumulation, RF ion s election, and improved trapping of MALDI ions desorbed at an angle to the s urface normal are some of the advantages of this design. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.