The use of triple quadrupoles for sequential mass spectrometry: 1—The instrument parameters

Abstract

Abstract Triple quadrupoles are becoming widely used in sequential mass spectrometry. The observed spectra are very dependent upon the choice of instrument parameters such as the gas target density, the mode of operation of the central quadrupole, and the direct current levels of the quadrupoles (rod‐offsets) which determine the collision energy and the maximum mass resolutions in each analysing quadrupole. The influence of each of the instrument parameters is discussed with examples of experimental measurements of performance, and the optimum choice of modes of operation is determined.