Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

A mass spectrometer based on the principle of ion cyclotron resonance in which an ion in a magnetic field moves in a circular orbit at a frequency characteristic of its m/z value. Ions are excited to a coherent orbit using a pulse of radio frequency energy and their image charge is detected on receiver plates as a time domain signal. Fourier transformation of the time domain signal results in a frequency domain signal which is converted to a mass spectrum based in the inverse relationship between frequency and m/z.

A high-frequency mass spectrometer in which the cyclotron motion of ions, having different mass/charge ratios, in a constant magnetic field, is excited essentially simultaneously and coherently by a pulse of a radio-frequency electric field applied perpendicularly to the magnetic field. The excited cyclotron motion of the ions is subsequently detected on receiver plates as a time domain signal that contains all the cyclotron frequencies excited. Fourier transformation of the time domain signal results in a frequency domain FT-ICR signal which, on the basis of the inverse proportionality between frequency and mass/charge ratio, can be converted to a mass spectrum. See also ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer.

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A high-frequency mass spectrometer in which the cyclotron motion of ions, having different mass/charge ratios, in a constant magnetic field is excited essentially simultaneously and coherently by a pulse or a radio-frequency electric field applied perpendicular to the magnetic field. The excited cyclotron motion of the ions is subsequently detected on so-called receiver plates as a time domain signal that contains all the cyclotron frequencies that have been excited. Fourier transformation of the time domain signal results in the frequency domain FT-ICR signal which, on the basis of the inverse proportionality between frequency and the mass/charge ratio, can be converted into a mass spectrum. The term is sometimes contracted to Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FT-MS). See also: ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer

Source: PAC, 1991, 63, 1541 (Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)) on page 1545

A type of mass spectrometer that uses a Penning ion trap to confine ions for mass analysis. Ions of all m/z values are excited by applying RF energy over a range of frequencies corresponding to the cyclotron frequencies of the ions to be detected. After cessation of the applied RF energy, all ions are detected simultaneously by measuring the current induced on the "detect" electrodes by the confined ions. The mass spectrum is obtained by application of the Fourier transform to the measured signal to extract the cyclotron frequencies of the ions. Once the cyclotron frequencies are known, the m/z values are calculated via the cyclotron equation.

Another reader’s definition: Fourier transform ICR - A method of obtaining data from an ion cyclotron resonance (Penning) trap, whereby all ions are translationally excited within a time much shorter than the ion/neutral collision time; the image current of the combined ions’ signal is detected; and the resulting time-domain signal is converted to a frequency (reciprocal mass) - domain signal by the Fourier Transform mathematical method. "FT Mass Spectrometry" is inappropriate. The FT method is not limited to ICR; FT time-of-flight has been demonstrated, and FT methods for other analyzers are possible.

Note from a reader: In the definition of "Ion cyclotron resonance analyzer," no mention is made of a magnet, a (in my humble opinion) grave omission. If you decide to incorporate our suggestions, you could have a note directing readers to "Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance analyzer" and "Penning ion trap".