Question

Discuss the differences between quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometers and Fourier transform ICR mass spectrometers.

Short answer

A linear quadrupole ion trap is a type of quadrupole ion trap that traps charged particles.

ICR is an ion trap that employs a magnetic field to trap ions in an orbit within it.

ICR quadrupole is much expensive than quadrupole iron-trap.

Step-by-step solution

Quadrupole ion-trap

The quadrupole ion-trap traps ions in a stable orbit in a 3-D chamber and then ejects them sequentially. These electrodes form a cavity in which the ions can be easily stored and analyzed.

The m/z values are obtained by plotting the detector signal with the radio frequency voltage.

ICR mass spectrometers

ICR is an ion trap that employs a magnetic field to trap ions in an orbit within it. There is no separation in this analyzer; rather, all ions of a specific range are trapped inside, and an applied external electric field aids the indication.

When a moving charge enters a magnetic field, it experiences a centripetal force, which causes the ion to orbit. Again, the magnetic field's force on the ion equals the centripetal force on the ion.