INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS
How a mass spectrometer is built
LEARNING PORTAL
A mass spectrometer is a chain of subsystems working together: sample handling, vacuum, ion generation, ion transport, mass analysis, and detection, supported by control software, electronics, and laboratory infrastructure.
This is the core of the portal. Learn this architecture and every other topic has a place to sit.
The system map
We created this as way to hold the whole instrument in your head before you open a subsystem. Left to right is the ion path. Vacuum wraps that path. Control, electronics, and infrastructure sit under it.
When a later page mentions a turbo pump or an ion guide, this is where it lives.
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Help us build a better training resource.
If you've found an issue, have a suggestion for improvement, or would like to request additional topics, please get in touch. Every piece of feedback helps us make the portal more useful for the mass spectrometry community.
Engineering expertise when you need it
If you're looking for technical support, instrument servicing, system upgrades, or engineering consultancy, discover how Massmend can support your laboratory and equipment throughout its lifecycle.
The ion path
This is the instrument. Everything else exists so this path can happen.
A molecule is introduced, ionised, guided, separated, and measured. If you can follow that sequence, you can place every other page in this portal on a real machine.
Operation
Learn how to safely and effectively operate a mass spectrometer throughout its entire lifecycle.
Foundations
Build a solid understanding of the scientific and engineering principles that underpin mass spectrometry.
Supporting systems
The path above only runs if vacuum, power, software, gases, and the room are right. These blocks don’t carry the beam but are essential for operation.
Learning Portal
