TABLE 1.
Comparison of typical performance characteristics of commonly used mass spectrometers. Table generated using data from 1 , 11 , 12 , 13
| Mass analyzer type a | Resolving power (FWHM) [x103] | Mass accuracy (ppm) | m/z range (upper limit) [x103] | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quadrupole (Q) | < 5 | > 100 | 2‐4 | Lower |
| Ion trap (IT) | < 5 | < 30 | 4‐20 | Lower |
| TOF b | 10‐60 | 0.5‐5 | 100 | Moderate |
| Orbitrap | 120‐1000 | 0.5‐5 | 20 | Higher |
| FT‐ICR | 100‐10 000 | 0.05‐1 | 30 | High |
a
TOF, Orbitrap and ICR include common hybrid configurations with Q or LIT as the first mass analyzer.
b
Values quoted for reflectron‐TOF instruments. Linear TOFs capable of greater m/z ranges (up to 500 000 in practice, and theoretically limitless) with lower resolving powers.