ABSTRACT
What is mass spectrometry? Mass spectrometry (MS) is based on the ionisation of molecules so that they become charged particles and can then be sorted according to their mass to charge ratio (m/z). The mass spectrometer is the instrument that provides the requisite functionality for this technique; however, there are several different types of mass spectrometers. The key to understanding advances in mass spectrometry is to appreciate the problem-solving nature of technological developments. Most of these advances are driven by the instrument manufacturers and have concentrated on improving methods of ionising molecules and the selectivity and sensitivity of detection. (For more detailed reading on mass spectrometery, see Bibliography.)
