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 described that improves the performance of internal-source matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) applications. The design employs a capacitively coupled open FTICR cell and a ring electrode placed between the ion source and the ICR cell. The flexibility of our open-cell design allows the use of several different trapping schemes for ion detection. Elimination of the drift time dependence in a MALDI experiment, ion accumulation, RF ion selection, and improved trapping of MALDI ions desorbed at an angle to the surface normal are some of the advantages of this design. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.