Used for volatile and semi-volatile compounds

GC-MS is a well-established method for analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The sample is first vaporized and carried through a gas chromatograph using an inert carrier gas, typically helium. Inside the chromatograph, components are separated based on their volatility and interactions with the stationary phase.

Once separated, the compounds enter the mass spectrometer, where they are typically ionized by electron impact. This process creates positive ions, which are then filtered in a mass analyzer, such as a quadrupole, to generate a mass spectrum, allowing for both identification and quantification of individual components.

GC-MS is commonly used in environmental monitoring, forensics, and pharmaceutical analysis due to its sensitivity and robustness.

Ideal for complex liquid-phase samples.

LC-MS is used for more complex and non-volatile compounds, often found in biological samples or pharmaceuticals. The sample is dissolved in a liquid mobile phase and passed through a chromatographic column, where different compounds are separated via mobile and stationary phases before entering the mass spectrometer.

After separation, the compounds are ionized, typically using electrospray ionization (ESI), which allows the process to occur at atmospheric pressure. The resulting ions are then analyzed by the mass spectrometer – often using systems such as triple quadrupoles, ion traps, or time-of-flight (TOF) analyzers.

LC-MS is valued for its high selectivity, sensitivity, and ability to handle complex sample matrices, making it ideal for clinical research, metabolomics, and drug development.

Provides high-resolution analysis of large biomolecules.

TOF-MS measures the time ions take to travel through a flight tube after being accelerated by an electric field. Because all ions receive the same kinetic energy, their time of flight depends on their mass – lighter ions reach the detector faster than heavier ones.

Modern TOF systems often use reflectrons to enhance resolution, allowing more accurate measurement of mass-to-charge ratios. It is commonly used in combination with MALDI, ESI, or chromatography techniques, providing high-resolution data for proteomics, metabolomics, and material characterization.

ICP-MS is specialized for the detection of trace elements and metals, even at very low concentrations. The sample, usually a liquid, is introduced into an argon plasma at temperatures between 5,000°C and 10,000°C, where it is fully ionized. The ions pass through sampler and skimmer cones into the vacuum system of the mass spectrometer.

Under high vacuum, the ions are focused and separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio.

ICP-MS is used extensively in environmental analysis, geology, and food safety, due to its ability to detect minute quantities of metals and perform isotope ratio analysis. It also supports advanced methods like laser ablation for solid samples and speciation analysis for differentiating chemical forms.

Enables gentle ionization of large biological molecules.

MALDI-MS is designed for analyzing large biological molecules, such as proteins and peptides, without breaking them apart. The sample is mixed with a matrix –a small organic compound that absorbs laser energy – and dried into a solid.

When the sample is exposed to a short laser pulse, the matrix helps desorb and ionize the analyte gently, minimizing fragmentation. These ions are then analyzed, often in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, to determine their mass.

MALDI-MS is particularly suited for proteomics, biomarker discovery, and clinical applications, where preserving molecular integrity is key.

Mass spectrometry is a precise analytical technique used to identify, quantify, and analyze molecules by determining their mass-to-charge ratio. The process involves:

Mass spectrometry critically depends on a well-maintained vacuum system to ensure accurate ion generation, transmission, separation, and detection. The vacuum enables:

Our turbopumps, including SplitFlow and HiPace models, are engineered for:

The selection of a backing pump in mass spectrometry depends primarily on the required pumping speed and the specific application.

Low gas load (GC-MS, MALDI-MS):

Yes, Pfeiffer offers compact mass spectrometry solutions, specifically designed for residual gas analysis (RGA) and process monitoring – distinct from full analytical mass spectrometers.

Our portfolio includes: