DE20312096U1 - mass spectrometry - Google Patents

Abstract

A mass spectrometer comprising: an ion trap with a plurality of electrodes, ions t entering the ion trap at a first time t ₁ and one or more axial capture regions being formed or generated along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap at a second later time t ₂ .

Description

With a common form of tandem mass spectrometry (MS / MS) are ions emitted by an ion source through a upstream mass filter arranged in a gas collision cell. The mass filter is set so that only ions with a specific Mass-charge ratio to Gas collision cell to be forwarded. Ions with different mass-charge ratios are weakened by the mass filter. Transferred from the mass filter Ions then enter the gas collision cell and become fragmented brought. Fragment ions formed within the gas collision cell emerge from the gas collision cell and then, for example through a downstream of the gas collision cell arranged transverse acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzer. Analysis of the fragment ions is an effective means of identification of the parent ions that fragmented to produce the fragment ions are.

A problem with known tandem mass spectrometers occurs is that the Duty cycle relatively poor in applications can be many different components that require it identify or quantify a sample. The bad one Duty cycle is due to the fact that although Starting ions with a desired one Mass-to-charge ratio let through the mass filter, all other starting ions be significantly weakened by the mass filter and get lost. The duty cycle and thus the sensitivity continues to decrease if the number of components to be analyzed increases.

According to one aspect of the present The invention provides a mass spectrometer which has:

• an ion trap with a plurality of electrodes, wherein ions enter the ion trap at a first time t ₁ and wherein one or more axial capture regions are formed or produced along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap at a second later time t ₂ .

The preferred embodiment relates to an ion trap that can fractionate ions. Ions prefer to occur into the ion trap after it has undergone a physico-chemical Property such as mass-to-charge ratio or ion mobility in the gas phase, temporally or spatially have been separated. According to others less preferred embodiments can Ions according to another property, such as elution time, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, migration time or the chromatographic retention time, the solubility, the molecular volume or size, the net charge, the state of charge, the ionic charge state or the compound observed Charge state, the isoelectric point (pI), the dissociation constant (pKa), antibody affinity, electrophoretic Mobility, the ionization potential, the dipole moment and the Hydrogen binding ability or the hydrogen binding capacity be separated.

Ions corresponding to a physicochemical Property that have been separated will then become more axial in a row Ion capture potential wells or axial ion capture areas along the ion trap captured and stored. The ions are preferred for one subsequent analysis or experiments in the ion trap saved. The in one or more of the axial potential wells stored ions can for example subsequently for mass analysis, fragmentation and subsequent mass analysis or submitted for mass selection, fragmentation and mass analysis become.

If the preferred ion trap is in a mass spectrometer is recorded, it enables obtaining one high duty cycle for both the MS as on for the MS / MS operating mode.

According to one embodiment, at time t ₂ at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 , 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 axial capture areas created or formed. According to the preferred embodiment, the plurality of axial capture areas are preferably generated at substantially the same time t ₂ . According to less preferred embodiments, however, the axial capture areas can be created in stages so that some axial capture areas can be created at time t ₂ and then further axial capture areas can be created or formed after a slight time delay.

At the first time t ₁ , preferably no axial capture areas along at least the intermediate area of the ion trap are provided in the area between the entrance and the exit of the ion trap. The input and / or the output can be kept at such a potential that ions entering the ion trap are prevented from emerging from the ion trap. However, even if ions are prevented from exiting the ion trap at the entrance and / or exit, such an arrangement forms only a single axial capture region. In the preferred embodiment, ions enter the ion trap, and even if they are prevented from exiting the ion trap, they are not initially fractionated within the ion trap. After a certain time delay, however, several axial capture regions are then newly created or formed, which preferably fractionate the ions. To avoid any doubt, the term "fractionate" means that ions with different phy sical-chemical properties can be divided into separate fractions, with all ions in a certain fraction having similar physico-chemical properties. Of course, this is completely different from fragmentation, in which starting ions collide with gas molecules and dissociate into a number of fragment ions.

In a less preferred embodiment, at the first time t _1, some flat axial capture areas may be formed or created with a first depth, or may occur along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap. However, at the second later time t ₂ , the axial capture areas that have been formed or created have a significantly greater second depth. The flat capture areas present at time t ₁ , which can only provide a very limited capture effect, are then essentially turned on, so that they become much more effective capture areas. The second depth can, for example, preferably be at least x% greater than the first depth, where x is selected from the following group: (i) 1%, (ii) 2%, (iii) 5%, (iv) 10%, (v) 20%, (vi) 30%, (vii) 40%, (viii) 50%, (ix) 60%, (x) 70%, (xi) 80%, (xii) 90%, (xiii ) 100%, (xiv) 150%, (xv) 200%, (xvi) 250%, (xvii) 300%.

The ion trap preferably has one Input for receiving ions and an output from which ions emerge in use, being at the second time t2 if axial Capture areas are formed or created, at least some Ions (for example, ions with the lowest mass-to-charge ratios or the highest Ion mobility) from the entrance preferably at least 5%, 10 %, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65 %, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the axial length of the ion trap walked to the exit.

The difference between t₂ and t₁. so the temporal delay between the first entry of ions into the ion trap and the first substantial occurrence of several axial capture areas (which the Preferably fractionate ions), is preferably 1 - 100 μs, 100 - 200 μs, 200 - 300 μs, 300 - 400 μs, 400 - 500 μs, 500 - 600 μs, 600 - 700 μs, 700 - 800 μs, 800 - 900 μs or 900 - 1000 μs. According to one another embodiment is the difference between t₂ and t₁ preferably in the range of 1-2 ms, 2-3 ms, 3-4 ms, 4-5 ms, 5-6 ms , 6-7 ms, 7-8 ms, 8-9 ms, 9-10 ms, 10 - 11 ms, 11-12 ms, 12-13 ms, 13-14 ms, 14-15 ms, 15-16 ms, 16-17 ms, 17-18 ms, 18-19 ms, 19-20 ms, 20-21 ms, 21-22 ms, 22-23 ms, 23-24 ms, 24-25 ms, 25-26 ms, 26-27 ms, 27-28 ms, 28-29 ms, 29-30 ms or> 30 ms.

According to another aspect of The present invention provides a mass spectrometer which having:

• an ion trap with multiple electrodes, when in use Ions received within the ion trap in one or more axial trapping areas are trapped within the ion trap and wherein in one mode of operation the one or more axial Capture areas along at least a portion of the axial length of the Ion trap with an initial first speed are shifted and being the first speed then is progressively reduced to a speed that is slower or is equal to 50 m / s. The first speed is preferred progressively reduced to a speed that is slower or equal to 40 m / s, 30 m / s, 20 m / s, 10 m / s, 5 m / s or essentially is zero.

According to another aspect of The present invention provides a mass spectrometer which having:

• an ion trap with multiple electrodes, when in use Ions received within the ion trap in one or more axial trapping areas are trapped within the ion trap and wherein the one or more axial capture areas are along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion trap with a initial first speed to be moved and being the first speed then is progressively reduced to substantially zero.

Preferably a device to the temporal, spatial or otherwise dispersing a group of Ions are provided according to a physico-chemical property. The device is preferably located upstream of the Ion trap. The physico-chemical property can, for example the mass-to-charge ratio his.

A field-free area can be upstream of the ion trap, in which ions that have been accelerated are so that she have substantially the same kinetic energy, according to their Mass-to-charge ratio be dispersed. The field-free area can be provided within an ion guide his. The ion guide can be a quadrupole set, a hexapole set, an octopole set or a set of bars higher Order, an ion tunnel ion guide with multiple electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through (the openings are essentially the same size), an ion funnel ion guide with multiple electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through (the openings become increasingly smaller or larger) or have a segmented set of rods.

It can be a pulsed ion source are provided, using a package from the pulsed ion source of emitted ions in the field-free area entry .

Additionally and / or alternatively, an ion trap can be placed upstream of the field-free area be arranged, the ion trap emitting an ion packet which enters the field-free area when used.

According to another embodiment, can ensured be that ions according to their ion mobility in the gas phase in time or spatial be dispersed.

A drift area can, for example upstream the ion trap are arranged in the ions according to their Ion mobility can be dispersed. The drift range can be within an ion guide to be provided. The ion guide can be a quadrupole rod set, a Hexapol rod set, an octopole rod set, or a rod set higher Order, an ion tunnel ion guide with multiple electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through (the openings are essentially the same size), with an ion funnel ion guide several electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through (the openings become increasingly smaller or larger) or have a segmented set of rods.

It can be a pulsed ion source are provided, using a package from the pulsed ion source of emitted ions enters the drift region.

Additionally and / or alternatively can have an ion trap upstream of the drift area are arranged, the Ion trap emits an ion packet that enters the drift area.

The ion trap preferably has one Entrance for receiving ions and one at the other end of the ion trap arranged output, at a time one or the several axial capture areas can be moved to the entrance.

The ion trap preferably has one Entrance for receiving ions and one at the other end of the ion trap arranged output, at a time one or the several axial capture areas can be moved to the exit.

A potential wall between two or more capture areas can be removed, leaving the two or more capture areas form a single capture area, or a potential wall between two or more capture areas can be lowered so that at least some ions moved between the two or more capture areas can be.

When using a or more transient DC voltages or one or more Transient DC waveforms progressively applied to the electrodes be applied so that ions pushed along the ion trap become.

When using an axial Stress gradient along at least a portion of the length of the Ion trap are maintained and the axial voltage gradient changes preferably in time.

The ion trap may have a first electrode kept at a first reference potential, a second electrode kept at a second reference potential and a third electrode kept at a third reference potential, a first DC voltage being applied to the first electrode at a time T ₁ , so that the first electrode is kept at a first potential above or below the first reference potential. At a later time T ₂ , a second DC voltage is applied to the second electrode, so that the second electrode is kept at a second potential above or below the second reference potential. At a still later time T ₃ , a third DC voltage is applied to the third electrode, so that the third electrode is kept at a third potential above or below the third reference potential.

At time T ₁ , the second electrode can be at the second reference potential and the third electrode can be at the third reference potential. At time T ₂ , the first electrode can be at the first potential and the third electrode can be at the third reference potential. At time T ₃ , the first electrode can be at the first potential and the second electrode can be at the second potential.

According to another embodiment, the second electrode can be at the second reference potential at time T ₁ and the third electrode can be at the third reference potential. At time T ₂ , the first DC voltage is preferably no longer applied to the first electrode, so that the first electrode is returned to the first reference potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential. At time T ₃ , the second DC voltage is preferably no longer applied to the second electrode, so that the second electrode is returned to the second reference potential and the first electrode is at the first reference potential.

The first, the second and the third Reference potential can be substantially the same, and / or the first, the second and the third DC voltage can be substantially the same, and / or the first, the second and the third potential can be essentially the same.

The ion trap can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 , 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30 segments, each segment preferably 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30 electrodes and the electrodes in one segment are preferably kept at substantially the same DC potential. Multiple segments can be kept at substantially the same DC potential. Each segment can be on essentially the same thing DC potential as the following nth segment are maintained, where n 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 , 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30.

Ions can trap within the ion trap locked radially by an alternating electrical or HF field become. The ions can are locked radially inside the ion trap in a pseudo-potential well, or they can through a real potential wall or a real potential well axially limited become.

The flight time of the ions through the ion trap (i.e. the time it takes to store the ions and the subsequent Dispensing of them is preferred) is preferably smaller or equal to 20 ms, less than or equal to 10 ms, less than or equal to 5 ms, less than or equal to 1 ms or less than or equal to 0.5 ms.

The ion trap and / or a drift area upstream of the Ion traps are preferably made on one when in use selected from the following group Pressure held: (i) greater or equal to 0.0001 mbar, (ii) greater or equal to 0.0005 mbar, (iii) greater or equal to 0.001 mbar, (iv) greater or equal to 0.005 mbar, (v) greater or equal to 0.01 mbar, (vi) greater than or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) greater or equal to 0.1 mbar, (viii) greater or equal to 0.5 mbar, (ix) greater or equal to 1 mbar, (x) greater or equal 5 mbar, (xi) larger or equal to 10 mbar.

The ion trap and / or the drift area are preferably used on one of the following Group selected Pressure maintained: (i) less than or equal to 10 mbar, (ii) less than or equal to 5 mbar, (iii) less than or equal to 1 mbar, (iv) less than or equal to 0.5 mbar, (v) less than or equal to 0.1 mbar, (vi) less or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) less than or equal to 0.01 mbar, (viii) less than or equal to 0.005 mbar, (ix) less than or equal to 0.001 mbar, (x) less than or equal to 0.0005 mbar and (xi) less than or equal to 0.0001 mbar.

The ion trap and / or the drift area are preferably used on one of the following Group selected Pressure maintained: (i) between 0.0001 and 10 mbar, (ii) between 0.0001 and 1 mbar, (iii) between 0.0001 and 0.1 mbar, (iv) between 0.0001 and 0.01 mbar, (v) between 0.0001 and 0.001 mbar, (vi) between 0.001 and 10 mbar, (vii) between 0.001 and 1 mbar, (viii) between 0.001 and 0.1 mbar, (ix) between 0.001 and 0.01 mbar, (x) between 0.01 and 10 mbar, (xi) between 0.01 and 1 mbar, (xii) between 0.01 and 0.1 mbar, (xiii) between 0.1 and 10 mbar, (xiv) between 0.1 and 1 mbar and (xv) between 1 and 10 mbar.

The ion trap and / or the drift area are preferably kept at such pressure when in use, the existence viscous resistance to those passing through the ion trap and / or the drift region Ions exercised becomes.

The field free area is preferably maintained at a pressure selected from the following group when used: (i) greater than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (ii) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (iii) greater or equal 1 x 10 ^–6 mbar, (iv) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^–6 mbar, (v) greater than or equal to 1 x 10 ^–5 mbar and. (vi) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar.

The field-free area is preferably kept at a pressure selected from the following group when used: (i) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (ii) less than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iii) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iv) less than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (v) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (vi) less than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar and (vii) less or equal to 1 x 10 ^–7 mbar.

The field free area is preferably maintained at a pressure selected from the following group when used: (i) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (ii) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iii) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iv) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (v) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^{- 6} mbar, (vi) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (vii) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (viii) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (ix) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (x) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xi) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xii) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (xiii) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xiv) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xv) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xvi) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (xvii) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xviii) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xix) between 1 x 10 ^-5 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (xx) between 1 x 10 ^-5 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar and (xxi) between 5 x 10 ^-5 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar ,

When using one or several transient DC voltages or one or more transients DC waveforms preferably on a first axial Position along the ion trap on electrodes and then on a second and then a third different axial position provided along the ion trap.

When using it is preferred ensured, that itself one or more transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms from one end of the ion trap move to another end of the ion trap so that the ions pushed along the ion trap become. It is preferred for that worried that the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms progressively the ion trap and along the ion trap so that ions pushed along the ion trap become.

The one or more transient DC voltages preferably produce (i) a potential hill or potential wall, (ii) a potential well, (iii) a plurality of potential hills or potential walls le, (iv) several potential wells, (v) a combination of a potential hill or wall and a potential well, or (vi) a combination of several potential hills or walls and several potential wells.

The one or more transient DC waveforms include preferably a repeating waveform, for example a square wave.

The amplitude of one or the several transient DC voltages or one or more Transient DC waveforms can be essentially temporal remain constant, or the amplitude of the one or more transients DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms can change over time.

The amplitude of one or the several transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms may increase in time, increase in time and then decrease, decrease in time or decrease in time and then gain weight.

The ion trap can be an upstream one Entrance area, an upstream located output area and an intermediate area, wherein in the input area the amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transients DC waveforms may have a first value. In The amplitude of the one or more transients can be in the intermediate region DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms have a second value. In the output area, the amplitude the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms have a third value.

The entrance and / or exit area comprises preferably a portion of the total axial length of the ion trap that is made up of selected from the following group is: (i) <5%, (ii) 5-10 %, (iii) 10-15 %, (iv) 15-20 %, (v) 20-25 %, (vi) 25-30%, (vii) 30-35 %, (viii) 35-40 % and (ix) 40 - 45 %.

The first and / or the third amplitude are essentially zero and the second amplitude is essentially different from zero. The second amplitude is preferably greater than the first amplitude and / or the second amplitude is preferred larger than the third amplitude.

The one or more axial Capture areas can are moved along the ion trap at a first speed and cause ions along the ion trap at a second speed this run.

The difference between the first Speed and the second speed is preferred selected from the following group: (i) less than or equal to 50 m / s, (ii) less than or equal to 40 m / s, (iii) less than or equal to 30 m / s, (iv) less than or equal to 20 m / s, (v) less than or equal to 10 m / s, (vi) less than or equal to 5 m / s and (vii) less than or equal to 1 m / s.

The first speed is preferably off selected from the following group: (i) 10-250 m / s, (ii) 250-500 m / s, (iii) 500 - 750 m / s, (iv) 750-1000 m / s, (v) 1000 - 1250 m / s, (vi) 1250 - 1500 m / s, (vii) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (viii) 1750-2000 m / s, (ix) 2000-2250 m / s, (x) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (xi) 2500 - 2750 m / s, (xii) 2750-3000 m / s, (xiii) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xiv) 3250 - 3500 m / s, (xv) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xvi) 3750 - 4000 m / s, (xvii) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xviii) 4250 - 4500 m / s, (xix) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xx) 4750 - 5000 m / s and (xxi)> 5000 m / s.

The second speed is preferably off selected from the following group: (i) 10-250 m / s, (ii) 250-500 m / s, (iii) 500 - 750 m / s, (iv) 750-1000 m / s, (v) 1000 - 1250 m / s, (vi) 1250 - 1500 m / s, (vii) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (viii) 1750-2000 m / s, (ix) 2000-2250 m / s, (x) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (xi) 2500 - 2750 m / s, (xii) 2750-3000 m / s, (xiii) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xiv) 3250 - 3500 m / s, (xv) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xvi) 3750 - 4000 m / s, (xvii) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xviii) 4250 - 4500 m / s, (xix) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xx) 4750 - 5000 m / s and (xxi)> 5000 m / s.

The second speed is preferably in essentially equal to the first speed.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms, that run along the ion trap or applied to the electrodes preferably have a frequency, the frequency in remains essentially constant, changes, increases, increases and then decreases, decreases or decreases and then increases.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms, that run along the ion trap or applied to the electrodes are preferably of a wavelength, the wavelength being essentially remains constant, changes, increases, increases and then decreases, decreases or decreases and then increases.

It can be ensured that the two or more transient DC voltages or the two or more transients DC waveforms are applied to the electrodes or in the are guided essentially simultaneously along the ion trap. It can do it be taken care of the two or more transient DC voltages or the two or more transient DC waveforms in the same direction, in opposite directions, towards or from each other move away.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms can be repeatedly generated and applied to the electrodes or, in use, guided along the ion trap, with the frequency of the generation supply of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms remains substantially constant, changes, increases, increases and then decreases, decreases or decreases and then increases.

The mass spectrometer preferably has also a time-of-flight mass analyzer with an electrode for Injecting ions into a drift area being taken care of is that the Electrode when used essentially in sync with a Ion pulse emitted from the output of the ion trap is supplied with energy becomes.

The ion trap can be an ion funnel with several electrodes in which there are openings, of which Ions are let through, the diameter of the openings progressively becomes smaller or larger, an ion tunnel with several electrodes in which there are openings from which ions are let through, the diameter of the openings is substantially constant, or a stack of plates, a ring electrode or have wire loop electrodes.

The ion trap preferably faces several electrodes, at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes one preferably have a circular opening, from which ions are let through in use. Every electrode preferably has a single opening, from which ions are passed in use, albeit according to others embodiments multiple openings can be provided.

The diameter of the openings of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the the electrodes forming the ion trap is preferably from the following Group selected: (i) less than or equal to 10 mm, (ii) less than or equal to 9 mm, (iii) less than or equal to 8 mm, (iv) less than or equal to 7 mm, (v) less or equal to 6 mm, (vi) less than or equal to 5 mm, (vii) less or equal to 4 mm, (viii) less than or equal to 3 mm, (ix) less than or equal to 2 mm and (x) less than or equal to 1 mm.

At least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes forming the ion trap preferably openings, which are essentially the same size or area.

According to another embodiment, can the ion trap has a segmented set of rods.

The ion trap can be made from the following consist: (i) 10 - 20 Electrodes, (ii) 20-30 Electrodes, (iii) 30-40 Electrodes, (iv) 40-50 Electrodes, (v) 50 - 60 Electrodes, (vi) 60-70 Electrodes, (vii) 70 - 80 electrodes, (viii) 80-90 Electrodes, (ix) 90 - 100 electrodes, (x) 100-110 Electrodes, (xi) 110 - 120 electrodes, (xii) 120-130 Electrodes, (xiii) 130 - 140 electrodes, (xiv) 140-150 Electrodes or (xv) more than 150 electrodes. According to one less preferred embodiment can the ion trap <10 Have electrodes.

The thickness of at least 50%, 60 %, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of those forming the ion trap Electrodes are preferably selected from the following group: (i) less than or equal to 3 mm, (ii) less than or equal to 2.5 mm, (iii) less than or equal to 2.0 mm, (iv) less than or equal to 1.5 mm, (v) less than or equal to 1.0 mm and (i) less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The ion trap preferably has one selected from the following group Length: (i) less than 5 cm, (ii) 5-10 cm, (iii) 10-15 cm, (iv) 15-20 cm, (v) 20-25 cm, (vi) 25-30 cm and (vii) greater than 30 cm.

Preferably at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes to both a DC voltage and a AC or RF power supply connected.

Axially adjacent electrodes are preferred AC or RF voltages applied that have a phase difference of Have 180 °. According to one embodiment can one or more AC or RF voltage waveforms on at least one some of the electrodes are placed so that ions along at least a section of length the ion trap is crowded become. This can be additional to apply DC voltages to the ion trap or in place done by this to form axial capture areas.

The mass spectrometer can Have ion source selected from the following group: (i) an electrospray ion source ("ESI ion source"), (ii) one chemical atmospheric pressure ionization ion source ( "APCI") ion source, (iii) an atmospheric pressure photoionization ion source ("APPI ion source"), (iv) an inductively coupled plasma ion source ("ICP ion source"), (v) an electron impact ion source ("EI ion source"), (vi) an ion source with chemical ionization ("CI ion source"), (vii) a fast atom bombardment ion source ("FAB ion source"), (viii) one Liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry ion source ("LSIMS ion source"), (ix) a matrix supported Laser desorption ionization ion source ("MALDI ion source") and (x) a laser desorption ionization source ("LDI ion source").

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms can when used at a speed along the ion trap run that remains essentially constant, changes, increases, increases and then decreases, decreases, decreases and then increases, im substantially decreases to zero, reverses direction or substantially decreases to zero and then reverses direction.

When used, preferably occur Ion pulses from an output (or input) of the ion trap.

When using a complex Io mixture within the ion trap. The complex mixture can be, for example, at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 or 1000 have different types of ions, each type of ion having a significantly different mass-to-charge ratio.

A matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization ion source (MALDI ion source) is particularly preferred.

According to the preferred embodiment a complex ion mixture when used along the ion trap fractionated, and one or more fractions are separated axial capture areas saved.

Ions can be added to the following as desired Mass analysis or for further experiments, such as fragmentation and / or mass-to-charge ratio separation and / or an ion mobility separation, from one or more axial capture areas can be ejected, or it can be allowed be that they exit from these.

With the present invention a method for mass spectrometry realizable, which the does the following:

• Providing an ion trap having a plurality of electrodes, t ₁ ions entering the ion trap at a first time, and
• Form or create one or more axial capture areas at a second later time t ₂ along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap.

With the present invention a method for mass spectrometry can also be implemented, which has the following steps:

• Providing an ion trap with several electrodes,
• Receiving ions within the ion trap,
• Capture the ions in one or more axial capture areas inside the ion trap,
• Moving the one or more axial capture areas along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion trap with a first initial speed and
• progressively reducing the first speed to one Speed that is less than or equal to 50 m / s.

With the present invention a method for mass spectrometry can also be implemented, which has the following steps:

• Providing an ion trap with several electrodes,
• Receiving ions within the ion trap,
• Capture the ions in one or more axial capture areas inside the ion trap,
• Moving the one or more axial capture areas along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion trap with a first initial speed and
• progressively reducing the first speed to im essentially zero.

Various embodiments of the present Invention will now be given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying Drawing described, wherein:

1 1 shows an embodiment in which ions emitted by an ion source are dispersed in a field-free region according to their mass-charge ratio before entering an AC voltage or HF ion trap according to the preferred embodiment,

2 shows the distribution of ions with different mass-to-charge ratios as a function of the distance along the ion trap according to a first main operating mode, ions entering an AC voltage or HF ion trap and then, after a time delay, DC potentials to which the ion guide or the electrodes which form the ion trap are applied in order to produce a plurality of axial capture regions which fractionate the ions within the ion guide or the ion trap,

3 shows the distribution of ions with different mass-to-charge ratios as a function of time according to a second main mode of operation, ions being received within the ion trap and several axial capture regions being moved along the ion trap at increasingly lower speeds, and

4 shows a mass spectrometer with a preferred ion trap.

A preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG 1 described. Ions can, for example, from a pulsed ion source 1 in the manner of a laser ablation ion source or a matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization ion source (MALDI ion source) 1 , are given. Alternatively, an ion pulse can be delivered from an ion trap (not shown). The ion pulse is then preferably accelerated by a constant potential difference, so that the ions gain a constant energy. The ions are then preferably in a field-free area 2 transmitted, which is preferably kept at a relatively low pressure (for example <10 ^-4 mbar). Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios run through the field-free area at different speeds 2 , and the ions are therefore dispersed in time according to their mass-charge ratios.

It is then ensured that the ions reach the end of the field-free area 2 emerge from this and into an AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 occur that operated according to the preferred embodiment will. Ions that have relatively low mass-to-charge ratios have in the field-free range 2 Relatively high speeds are assumed and are therefore in the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 Arrived before other ions that have relatively high mass-to-charge ratios (and that because of the field-free area 2 had relatively low speeds). Once out of the field free area 2 Leaked ions into the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 have occurred and a certain distance along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 DC potentials are then applied to at least some of the AC or HF ion guides / ion traps 3 forming electrodes so that multiple axial capture areas are generated substantially immediately or along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 to be generated. The ions are collected in this way in (real) axial potential wells, which run along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 are formed. The ions are also generated by the AC or RF voltage applied to the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 forming electrodes is applied, in pseudopotential wells radially within the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 locked up. The effect of creating or forming multiple axial capture areas after a certain delay period after ions first enter the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 has occurred is that the ions are collected in groups or otherwise fractionated according to their mass-to-charge ratio.

The once or now fractionated ions are stored in the various axial capture areas, which are within the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 are formed, and they can then be released for subsequent analysis or for further experiments in a controlled manner. Because all ions in a certain axial capture area have a relatively small width of the mass-to-charge ratio, it can be ensured that the ions released by a certain axial capture area are passed on to a mass analyzer and are mass-analyzed therein, for example a lateral acceleration Time-of-flight mass analyzer with a relatively high duty cycle is used. The relatively narrow width of the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions in a particular capture region can preferably ensure that substantially all of the ions in an orthogonal or other extraction region of a time-of-flight mass analyzer are present at substantially the same time when a sampling pulse is applied to the ions in the Withdrawal area is applied. The high duty cycle that can be achieved when the preferred ion trap is used, for example, in connection with a transverse acceleration mass analyzer is particularly advantageous.

The temporal separation of ions according to their mass-charge ratios before arriving at the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is preferably done in a field-free area 2 , which is preferably formed within an ion guide. The ion guide preferably has an AC voltage or HF ion guide in the manner of a multipole rod set, for example a quadrupole or hexapole rod set with an axial electrical constant field of zero. Alternatively, the ion guide can comprise a ring stack or ion tunnel ion guide, which has a plurality of electrodes with openings, from which ions are let through during use and which in turn preferably have an average axial electric field of zero.

According to a somewhat less preferred but nonetheless important embodiment, the field-free area can 2 can be replaced by a drift range which is maintained at a relatively high pressure of, for example, at least 10 ^-3 mbar. Ions are preferably, for example, by an axial DC voltage gradient or by DC and / or AC or RF voltages applied to the electrodes surrounding the drift region which cause axial trapping regions to be created and then cause them to be displaced along the drift region so that ions are forced through the drift area, through the drift area at a relatively high pressure. The ions are preferably separated according to their ion mobility in the presence of the background gas of a relatively high pressure, and more mobile ions therefore reach the end of the drift region before less mobile ions.

The preferred ion trap 3 can be operated in two different main operating modes. According to a first main operating mode, which has already been briefly described above, ions arrive at the AC voltage or RF ion trap and are received therein. The ions occupy different positions along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap, essentially according to their mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably their ion mobility) 3 , There are preferably no significant axial capture areas provided when ions first enter the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 enter. Ions with relatively low mass to charge ratios (or, less preferably, relatively high ion mobilities) are preferably further into the AC or RF ion guide tion / ion trap 3 run as ions with relatively high mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably relatively low ion mobilities). As soon as ions within the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 A number of DC voltages have been recorded to certain the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 forming electrodes, so that a series of real axial potential wells or potential walls along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is produced. For example, a DC voltage potential can be applied to one or more electrodes along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 be created so that a potential hill is formed. The potential hill can be at regular intervals along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 can be repeated in order to produce a repeating pattern of potential wells separated by potential mounds. The potential wells or potential walls can be spaced at irregular intervals in accordance with less preferred embodiments.

The height of the potential bumps (or the depth of the potential wells) is preferably set up in such a way that ions are trapped, which are located between adjacent potential bumps or potential wells, so that the ions in the different potential wells or trapping regions along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / - ion trap 3 captured or otherwise stored in it. Ions are therefore preferably fractionated according to their mass-to-charge ratio (or less preferably according to their ion mobility in the gas phase).

Ions can oscillate within any well or axial capture region, but in the preferred embodiment, the ions can subsequently by injecting a gas into the AC or RF ion guide / trap 3 be damped once some or all of the axial capture areas have been created. The damping gas can be provided, for example, at a pressure of at least 10 ^-3 mbar. Introducing a gas into the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 leads to collisions between the ions and the gas molecules, so that ions lose energy through such collisions. The energy of the ions within the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is therefore preferably that of the background gas within the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 reduced so that the ions are thermalized. When the ions lose energy, they usually occupy the lowest positions within the potential wells and are therefore locked more radially and occupy average positions that are closer to the axis of the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 are located. The ions cooled by collisions preferably remain stored in the potential wells or the axial capture regions until it is desired to release the ions either for subsequent mass analysis or for subsequent experiments (e.g. fragmentation).

2 shows how ions with different mass-to-charge ratios in the first main mode of operation at the time when axial trapping potentials to the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 be created after ions within the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 received, separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio, along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 be distributed. In the in 2 The example shown is the length L _{1 of} the upstream ion guide 2 covering the field free area 2 provides 150 mm and the length L _{2 of} the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 , to which capture DC potentials are applied after a certain time delay, also 150 mm. The to the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 DC voltages applied are such that according to the in relation to 2 Embodiment described ten axial wells along the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 be formed. The axial potential wells are spaced at regular intervals of 15 mm, and the potential walls are 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135 and 150 mm from the entrance. The ion energy was assumed to be 3 eV and it was assumed that the capture potentials along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 in approximately 315 μs after the first occurrence of an ion pulse in the field-free area 2 be created. In this explanation, those in the (tenth) potential well PW10, which is the potential well, include the input of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 is closest (i.e. in the area 0 - 15 mm from the entrance of the ion trap 3 distant), ions collected those ions that have mass-to-charge ratios in the range of 2100 - 2550. The one in the first potential well PW1, the furthest from the entrance of the ion guide 3 is removed (i.e. in the area 135 - 150 mm from the entrance of the ion trap 3 distant), collected ions include those ions that have mass-to-charge ratios in the range of 640-700. 2 also shows the range of the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions trapped in the other intermediate potential wells PW2-PW9.

According to a second main operating mode, which is related to FIG 3 is described, the ions on the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 arrive the one running DC potential or a running DC potential waveform has been superimposed so that axial trapping DC potentials after a time delay after ions enter the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 have occurred, are not generated, but rather a series of DC potentials to the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is applied so that a series of axial ion trapping regions are continuously generated and along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 is shifted when ions arrive. If the ions at the input of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 arrive, it is preferably ensured that they coincide with the appearance of a first potential well PWla, which is then shifted in the same direction as the ions. These ions are therefore within the first potential well Pw1a along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 postponed. Ions with somewhat higher mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably slightly lower ion mobilities) arrive at the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap at a somewhat later time 3 start, but still run within the first potential well PW1a. After a relatively short period of time ( 30 μs) occurs near the entrance of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 however, a second (new) potential hill or potential wall, whereby a second axial capture region PW2a is formed. This axial capture area PW2a also moves in the same direction as the ions. Therefore, ions arriving after the second potential bump is generated are prevented from being collected and trapped within the first axial trapping area PW1a, and are therefore collected and trapped within the second axial trapping area PW2a. Third and further potential wells or axial capture areas PW3a - Pw10a are preferably generated if ions continue to be on the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 arrive.

It will be appreciated that each new well or axial capture region therefore collects a series of ions with an average range of mass-to-charge ratios slightly higher than in the previous potential well (or less preferably ion mobilities that are somewhat less) than those in the previous potential well). Ions can oscillate within any well or axial capture region, but their movement can preferably be subsequently followed by the introduction of a gas into the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 be dampened.

The axial length of the potential wells, preferably along the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 generated can be changed so that the range of mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably ion mobility) collected in each well can be set as desired. 3 shows the area in each of the axial capture areas over the period of 300-600 μs after ions first enter the field-free area 2 have accumulated ions. A new ion capture area is created every 30 μs after 300 μs has elapsed. The axial capture areas are shifted at a constant speed and have a constant axial length. In the in 3 The example shown is the length of the field-free region L ₁ and the length of the AC voltage or HF ion trap 3 both 150 mm. Axial capture areas with a length of 15 mm are created. The ion energy in this particular example was believed to be 1 eV. Ions collected in the first potential well PW1a (during the period of 300-330 μs) have mass-to-charge ratios in the range of 780-920. In the last potential well PW10a (during the period of 570-600 μs) ions have mass Charge ratios in the range of 2790 - 3100. In the in 3 In the example shown, further potential wells or axial capture ranges are generated after 330 μs, 360 μs, 390 μs, 420 μs, 450 μs, 480 μs, 510 μs, 540 μs and 570 μs.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment described in more detail below, the speed at which the axial capture regions along the AC voltage or RF ion trap can 3 shifted, decrease progressively until they essentially decrease with the ever decreasing speed of the trap at the entrance of the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 incoming ions matches. Ion motion can be caused by the presence or introduction of a buffer gas into the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 be dampened. Under the right conditions, the velocity of the ions in the axial capture areas can be made to decrease at the same rate as that of the axial capture areas.

The following analysis assumes that ions are from a pulsed ion source 1 , for example a laser ablation or MALDI ion source, or that they are released by an ion trap. The ions then pass through an AC voltage or HF ion guide 2 with an axial electrical field of zero (i.e. a field-free area 2 ) and then step into an AC or RF ion guide / ion trap with a superimposed running DC voltage wave or DC waveform according to the preferred embodiment 3 a, so that axial capture areas are generated who and then along the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 be moved. The ion guide 2 with an axial electric field of zero is preferably kept at a relatively low pressure (for example less than 0.0001 mbar), and the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 according to the preferred embodiment is preferably at a medium pressure (for example between 0 , 0001 and 100 mbar, preferably between 0.001 and 10 mbar).

The distance in meters from the pulsed ion source 1 (or the ion trap) to the input of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 with a running shaft (i.e. the length of the field-free area 2 ) is L ₁ , the length of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 with a running wave is L ₂ , and the distance from the output of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 with a traveling wave to the center of a lateral acceleration time-of-flight acceleration area downstream of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 is L ₃ . The ions are preferably accelerated by a voltage difference V ₁ at the ion source (or the ion trap), so that they have an energy E ₁ of zeV ₁ electron volts when they enter the field-free region. Accordingly, for ions with a mass-to-charge ratio m / z, the arrival time T ₁ (in μs) is at the input of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 with a traveling wave arriving ions after they are in the field free area 2 have occurred, given by:

The speed of the field-free area 2 emerging and into the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 entering ions is:

The AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is preferably kept at a medium pressure so that the gas density is sufficient to pass into the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 exert a viscous resistance to incoming ions and the gas therefore appears to the ions as a viscous medium and causes them to slow down.

According to the preferred embodiment, it is ensured that the speed v _{wave of} a running DC voltage wave or DC voltage waveform that the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 overlying electrodes (i.e. the speed at which the axial capture regions along the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 essentially) the speed v of the at the input of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 arriving ions is equal. Because the speed of the at the entrance of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 incoming ions are inversely proportional to since the ions were released from the ion source 1 (or the ion trap) elapsed time T ₁ , the speed v _{wave of} the current DC voltage _wave or the speed at which the axial capture regions are shifted preferably also decreases with time in the same way.

Because the velocity v _{wave of} the current DC _{wave is} λ / T, where λ is the wavelength (or length of an axial capture area) and T is the cycle time of the DC waveform (or the repetition rate at which the axial capture areas are generated) it turns out that the cycle time T should also preferably change in proportion to the elapsed time T ₁ , it being assumed that the wavelength (ie the length of the axial capture regions) is kept constant. Accordingly, the speed of the DC voltage wave is always essentially the speed of the one at the input of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 equal to incoming ions, the cycle time T of the current DC voltage wave (ie the time elapsed between the generation of axial capture areas) should preferably increase essentially linearly.

Because the velocity v _{wave of} the current DC _wave (or the rate at which the axial capture areas are displaced) preferably decreases steadily, it can be assumed that the ions could move faster than the axial capture area that is decelerated and that the ions within of the axial capture area could oscillate. The viscous resistance resulting from frequent collisions with gas molecules in the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 results, but preferably prevents the ions from acquiring excessive speed. As a result, the ions usually ride on or run with the running DC wave (i.e., with the moving axial capture areas) instead of leading ahead of the running DC wave and within the potential wells along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 be moved to perform excessive oscillations.

If the ions in the time δt by a distance δ1 within the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 move, applies
δ1 = vδt

If the time at which the ions change voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 emerge, T ₂ is within the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 Distance traveled ΔL:

Die Geschwindigkeit der Ionen v_x, wenn sie aus der Wechselspannungs- oder HF-Ionenführung/Ionenfalle 3 austreten, gleicht derjenigen der laufenden Gleichspannungswelle (oder der Geschwindigkeit des axialen Einfangbereichs) zu der Zeit, zu der die Ionen aus der Wechselspannungs- oder HF-Ionenführung/Ionenfalle 3 austreten, und sie gleicht wiederum der Geschwindigkeit der am Eingang der Wechselspannungs- oder HF-Ionenführung/Ionenfalle 3 empfangenen Ionen, so daß gilt: Because the length of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 L ₂ is and therefore ΔL is equal to L ₂

The velocity of the ions v _x when they come out of the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 emerge is equal to that of the current DC wave (or velocity of the axial capture area) at the time the ions from the AC or RF ion guide / trap 3 emerge, and it in turn is equal to the speed at the input of the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 received ions, so that:

Because the energy E ₁ in the AC or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 entering ions
e 1 = zeV 1

Is and because

is valid if the energy comes from the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 emerging ions E ₂ .

Therefore, when considering the above equations, it follows that if the speed of the current DC wave (or axial trapping areas) is substantially the same as the speed of the input of the AC or RF ion guide / trap 3 incoming ions, the energy and velocity of the ions within the axial capture areas are substantially exponential with that along the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 Take the distance you have walked.

The gas in the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 preferably causes frequent ion-molecule collisions, which in turn causes the ions in the AC ion or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 lose kinetic energy. In the presence of a confining field, both the axial and radial kinetic energy can therefore be reduced. It has been shown that the axial and radial energy also decrease approximately exponentially with the distance traveled along the AC or HF ion guide (see J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 1998, 9, pp. 569-579). , It is estimated from computer simulations that the kinetic energies of ions decrease in both the axial and radial directions to about 10% of their initial value when ions pass through a product of the nitrogen gas pressure and the distance of about 0.1 mbar-cm. Because it is preferably ensured that both the speed of movement of the axial capture areas and the kinetic energies of the ions within the axial capture areas exponentially with the distance along the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 decrease, the exponential decrease rate, which is brought about by slowing the speed of the displacement of the axial capture regions, can be ensured essentially with the natural decrease in the kinetic energy of the ions with the distance as a result of the collision cooling of the ions with gas molecules within the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 matches. It is therefore advantageously possible to ensure that the axial capture areas are progressively slowed down at a rate substantially equal to the collision cooling of the ions, so that ions are prevented from gaining too much energy and within the ion guide / ion trap 3 to be fragmented.

When the ions enter the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 , they are preferably grouped such that each axial capture region contains ions with a limited range of mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably ion mobility). Each axial capture region has ions with mass-to-charge ratios that are higher than each of the previous axial capture region (or less preferably, lower ion mobility than that of the previous axial capture region). After the last ions of interest into the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 the axial capture areas can then be effectively stopped. Further damping of the ion movement can be carried out while the ions are within the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 are trapped as long as the buffer gas pressure in the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 is maintained. Ions can then be released from one or more of the ion capture regions for subsequent analysis or experiments.

Once ions are inside the ion trap 3 stored and substantially brought to a standstill therein, they can then either from the end to which the ions originally moved or, according to another embodiment, from the input of the AC voltage or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 from the series of potential wells. In the former case, ions are released in increasing order from mass-to-charge ratio values (or less preferably decreasing ion mobilities), starting with those ions that have the lowest mass-to-charge ratios (or less preferably the highest ion mobilities). In the latter case, the direction of ions captured once is reversed so that they are from the end of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 by which they entered. In this case, the ions are released in decreasing order of mass-to-charge ratio (or less preferably increasing ion mobility) starting with the ions that have the highest mass-to-charge ratio (or less preferably the lowest ionic mobility).

Ions can, for example, from the AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 are released by lowering the potential hill or wall that holds the ions within the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 holds, and by optionally accelerating the ions out in the required direction. Alternatively, ions can be released by moving the axial capture area in the required direction along a wavelength (or the distance of the axial capture areas). This will push out the ions in the group that trap the output (or input) of the AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 closest, and at the same time all other ions in their respective groups are moved closer to the exit by one wavelength (or by a distance between the axial capture regions).

The preferred AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 according to both the first and second main modes of operation, allows a large number of ions from a complex mixture of ions to be subsequently analyzed by collision-induced fragmentation, for example in a tandem mass spectrometer and subsequent mass analysis of the fragmented ions. The preferred AC or RF ion guide / ion trap 3 enables together with preferably an upstream field-free area 2 or drift area, that the components are separated into groups according to their mass-to-charge ratio (or less preferably their ion mobility) or at least partially separated into groups and then stored in a series of separate potential wells or axial capture areas. The Io Then one group at a time can then be analyzed in groups. According to one embodiment, the preferred AC voltage or HF ion guide / ion trap 3 emerging ions are mass-filtered so that ions with a precise mass-charge ratio can be selected from each group for fragmentation and the resulting fragment ions can be mass-analyzed.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG 4 described. An ion pulse or pulse of ions can come from an ion source 1 be emitted and in an AC or RF ion trapping device 4 collected and cooled. The AC or RF ion capture device 4 can, for example, have a segmented alternating voltage or HF ion guide which, in an operating mode, acts as an ion trap in that it can be programmed over its length with different direct voltage potentials. When used to trap ions, the AC or RF ion trap can be used 4 programmed to have an axial potential well at any point along its length. The AC or RF ion capture device 4 may alternatively comprise a segmented multipole rod set, a stacked ring set, a stacked plate set in the form of a sandwich electrode arrangement, or any combination of these devices. The AC or RF ion capture device 4 can use a buffer gas to cool the ions, which helps to reduce the trapping efficiency of the device 4 is improved while at the same time from the ion source 1 emitted energetic ions are cooled.

If it is only necessary to carry out a mass analysis of the trapped ions, the ions can be obtained from the ion trapping device 4 are released and downstream to an ion guide 5 and further downstream to a mass analyzer 6 be directed. The mass analyzer 6 may include, for example, a quadrupole mass filter, a 2D (linear) or 3D (Paul) quadrupole ion trap, a time-of-flight mass analyzer, an FTICR mass analyzer, or a magnetic sector mass analyzer. According to a preferred embodiment, the mass analyzer has a lateral acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzer.

Alternatively, if desired, a number of different ions from that from the ion source 1 released and subsequently in the AC or RF ion trapping device 4 Collected and collision-cooled ion mixture to fragment and analyze, the ions from the AC or RF ion capture device 4 emitted in a single pulse and downstream through an RF quadrupole ion guide 2 be directed. The RF quadrupole ion guide 2 is preferably operated in an exclusive RF mode so that it acts as an ion guide rather than a mass filter. The RF quadrupole ion guide 2 is preferably operated at a pressure (for example <10 ^-4 mbar) that the RF quadrupole ion guide 2 a field-free area within the ion guide 2 forms. Ions are therefore separated in time according to their mass-charge ratio when they pass through the RF quadrupole ion guide. Those from the field-free area 2 Ions emerging within the RF quadrupole ion guide are released by an ion trap 3 received, which operates according to either the first or the second main operating mode. The ions are preferably grouped within the ion trap according to their mass-to-charge ratios 3 collected and stored as described above. The ion trap 3 can be provided, for example, with a progressively decelerating DC voltage wave, as described above with respect to the second main mode of operation of the preferred ion trap 3 has been described. The ions therefore enter the ion trap 3 and are received within axial capture ranges from the exit of the ion trap 3 be moved. Potential walls are therefore repeated around the entrance area of the ion trap 3 generated around, so that additional ion trapping areas are generated, which are similar from the entrance of the ion trap 3 be moved, but at ever slower speed, the decreasing speed of the ion trap 3 to match incoming ions. The axial capture areas are preferably brought to a halt or to a standstill.

The ions can then be reversed from the series of potential wells in the preferred ion trap 3 are emitted so that ions with the highest mass-to-charge ratios are the last to enter the ion trap 3 occur and therefore be stored in the axial trapping areas near the entrance of the ion trap 3 closest, which may be the first ions from the preferred ion trap 3 be delivered. The ions in a first group are preferably from the preferred ion trap 3 emitted and through the RF quadrupole ion guide 2 ejected back, and they preferably run into the AC or RF ion capture device 4 and through it. The RF quadrupole ion guide 2 can either be operated in the non-resolving mode (that is, in the exclusive RF mode), so that all of an axial capture range within the preferred ion trap 3 emitted ions are transferred. Alternatively, the RF quadrupole ion guide 2 be operated in the dissolving (i.e. mass filtering) operating mode in order to only allow the ions to pass through which have a specific or a limited range of mass La tion ratios, and weaken ions with different mass-to-charge ratios.

From the RF quadrupole ion guide 2 transmitted and in the AC or RF ion trap 4 Received ions can be activated by collision with a buffer gas within the AC or RF ion capture device 4 to be fragmented. The fragment ions can then preferably be in the AC voltage or RF ion capture device 4 captured and subsequently released and downstream through an optional additional ion guide 5 before being routed to a downstream of the AC or RF ion trapping device 4 arranged mass analyzer 6 and optionally another ion guide 5 be performed.

The procedure of releasing or releasing ions from the ion trap 3 and optionally fragmenting some or all of a group of ions from an axial capture region within the preferred ion trap 3 released starting ions can be repeated several times until all desired ions have been fragmented or mass analyzed. The preferred ion trap 3 can therefore be operated as a fraction collector for fractionating ions according to their mass-to-charge ratios. The regarding 4 The illustrated and described embodiment enables many different fragmentations and mass analyzes to be carried out on the basis of the original ion mixture and enables a high duty cycle to be obtained, in particular if the mass spectrometer is operated in an MS / MS mode.

Although the present invention with respect to preferred embodiments Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made to the shape and details without of that in the appended claims set out scope of the invention.

Claims (93)

A mass spectrometer comprising: an ion trap with a plurality of electrodes, ions t entering the ion trap at a first time t ₁ and one or more axial capture regions being formed or generated along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap at a second later time t ₂ . The mass spectrometer of claim 1, wherein at time t ₂ at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 axial capture areas are created or formed. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at the first time t ₁ in the area between the entrance and the exit of the ion trap along the ion trap no axial capture areas are provided. The mass spectrometer of claim 1 or 2, wherein at the first time t _1, one or more axial capture regions are formed or created with a first depth or occur or exist along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap, and wherein at the second later time t ₂ or multiple axial capture areas are formed or created that have a second depth, the second depth being greater than the first depth. The mass spectrometer of claim 4, wherein the second depth is at least x% larger or is deeper than the first depth, with x selected from the following group: (i) 1%, (ii) 2%, (iii) 5%, (iv) 10%, (v) 20%, (vi) 30%, (vii) 40%, (viii) 50%, (ix) 60%, (x) 70%, (xi) 80%, (xii) 90%, (xiii) 100%, (xiv) 150%, (xv) 200%, (xvi) 250%, (xvii) 300%. A mass spectrometer according to any preceding claim, wherein the ion trap has an input for receiving ions and an output from which ions exit in use, and wherein at the second time t ₂ at least some ions from the input are at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the axial length of the ion trap has run to the exit. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between t ₂ and t _{1 is selected} from the following group: (i) 1 - 100 μs, (ii) 100 - 200 μs, (iii) 200 - 300 μs, (iv) 300 - 400 μs, (v) 400 - 500 μs, (vi) 500 - 600 μs, (vii) 600 - 700 μs, (viii) 700 - 800 μs, (ix) 800 - 900 μs and (x) 900 - 1000 μs Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between t ₂ and t _{1 is selected} from the following group: (i) 1-2 ms, (ii) 2-3 ms, (iii) 3-4 ms, (iv) 4 - 5 ms, (v) 5 - 6 ms, (vi) 6 - 7 ms, (vii) 7 - 8 ms, (viii) 8 - 9 ms, (ix) 9 - 10 ms, (x) 10 - 11 ms, (xi) 11 - 12 ms, (xii) 12 - 13 ms, (xiii) 13 - 14 ms, (xiv) 14 - 15 ms, (xv) 15 - 16 ms, (xvi) 16 - 17 ms , (xvii) 17-18 ms, (xviii) 18-19 ms, (xix) 19-20 ms, (xx) 20-21 ms, (xxi) 21-22 ms, (xxii) 22-23 ms, ( xxiii) 23-24 ms, (xxiv) 24-25 ms, (xxv) 25-26 ms, (xxvi) 26-27 ms, (xxvii) 27-28 ms, (xxviii) 28-29 ms, (xxix) 29 - 30 ms or (xxx)> 30 ms. Mass spectrometer, which comprises: an ion trap with several electrodes, wherein when used within the ion trap received Io are trapped in one or more axial trapping areas within the ion trap, and in one mode of operation, the one or more axial trapping areas are displaced along at least a portion of the axial length of the ion trap at an initial first speed, and the first speed then progressively increases to one speed is reduced, which is less than or equal to 50 m / s. The mass spectrometer of claim 9, wherein the first speed progressively reduced to a speed that out selected from the following group is: (i) less than or equal to 40 m / s, (ii) less than or equal to 30 m / s, (iii) less than or equal to 20 m / s, (iv) less than or equal to 10 m / s, (v) less than or equal to 5 m / s and (vi) substantially zero. Mass spectrometer, which has: an ion trap with several Electrodes, being received within the ion trap when used Ions in one or more axial capture areas within the ion trap and where the one or more axial capture areas along at least a portion of the axial Length of Ion trap with an initial first speed to be moved and being the first speed then is progressively reduced to substantially zero. A mass spectrometer according to any one of the preceding claims, which further a device for temporally or spatially dispersing a group of ions according to a physico-chemical property has, the device being arranged upstream of the ion trap. A mass spectrometer according to claim 12, wherein the physico-chemical Property is the mass-charge ratio. A mass spectrometer according to claim 13, wherein the device comprises a has field-free area, wherein when using ions that have been accelerated so that they have substantially the same kinetic energy, accordingly their mass-to-charge ratio be dispersed. The mass spectrometer of claim 14, wherein the field-free region provided within an ion guide is. The mass spectrometer of claim 15, wherein the ion guide is made of selected from the following group is: (i) a quadrupole set of rods, (ii) a hexapole set of rods, (iii) an octopole or higher order set of rods, (iv) an ion tunnel ion guide with several electrodes in which there are openings, of which Ions are let through, the openings being essentially the same have the same size, (v) an ion funnel ion guide with multiple electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through, the openings become increasingly smaller or larger, and (vi) a segmented set of rods. A mass spectrometer according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the field-free area is kept in use at a pressure selected from the following group: (i) greater than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (ii) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (iii) greater than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (iv) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (v) greater than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar and (vi) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar. The mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the field-free area is kept in use at a pressure selected from the following group: (i) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (ii) less than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iii) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iv) less than or equal to 5 X 10 ^-6 mbar, (v) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (vi) less than or equal to 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar and (vii) less than or equal to 1 x 10 ^-7 mbar. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the field-free range is maintained at a pressure selected from the following group: (i) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (ii) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iii) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (iv) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (v ) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (vi) between 1 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-7 mbar, (vii) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, ( viii) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (ix) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (x) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xi) between 5 x 10 ^-7 and 1 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xii) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (xiii) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mbar , (xiv) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xv) between 1 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-6 mbar, (xvi) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 1 X 10 ^-4 mbar, (xvii) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 5 x 10 ^-5 mb ar, (xviii) between 5 x 10 ^-6 and 1 x 10 ^-5 mbar, (xix) between 1 x 10 ^-5 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar, (xx) between 1 x 10 ^-5 and 5 X 10 ^{- 5} mbar and (xxi) between 5 x 10 ^-5 and 1 x 10 ^-4 mbar. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 14 to 19, which further has a pulsed ion source, wherein in use a packet ions emitted by the pulsed ion source in the field-free Area enters. A mass spectrometer as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising an ion trap located upstream of the field free area, the ion trap emitting an ion packet in use which enters the field free area occurs. A mass spectrometer according to claim 12, wherein the physico-chemical Property is the ion mobility. A mass spectrometer according to claim 22, wherein the device comprises a upstream the ion trap has arranged drift region, in which ions correspond their ion mobility are dispersed. The mass spectrometer of claim 23, wherein the drift range within an ion guide is provided. The mass spectrometer of claim 24, wherein the ion guide is made of selected from the following group is: (i) a quadrupole set of rods, (ii) a hexapole set of rods, (iii) an octopole or higher order set of rods, (iv) an ion tunnel ion guide with several electrodes in which there are openings, of which Ions are let through, the openings being essentially the same have the same size, (v) an ion funnel ion guide with multiple electrodes, the openings from which ions are let through, the openings become increasingly smaller or larger, and (vi) a segmented set of rods. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23, 24 or 25, wherein the Drift area is kept at a pressure when in use selected from the following group is: (i) greater or equal to 0.0001 mbar, (ii) greater or equal to 0.0005 mbar, (iii) greater or equal to 0.001 mbar, (iv) greater or equal to 0.005 mbar, (v) greater or equal to 0.01 mbar, (vi) greater than or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) greater or equal to 0.1 mbar, (viii) greater or equal to 0.5 mbar, (ix) greater or equal to 1 mbar, (x) greater or equal 5 mbar, (xi) larger or equal to 10 mbar. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the drift range when used is kept at a pressure resulting from the following Group selected is: (i) less than or equal to 10 mbar, (ii) less than or equal to 5 mbar, (iii) less than or equal to 1 mbar, (iv) less than or equal to 0.5 mbar, (v) less than or equal to 0.1 mbar, (vi) less than or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) less than or equal to 0.01 mbar, (viii) less than or equal to 0.005 mbar, (ix) less than or equal to 0.001 mbar, (x) less or equal to 0.0005 mbar and (xi) less than or equal to 0.0001 mbar. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the drift range when used is kept at a pressure resulting from the following Group selected is: (i) between 0.0001 and 10 mbar, (ii) between 0.0001 and 1 mbar, (iii) between 0.0001 and 0.1 mbar, (iv) between 0.0001 and 0.01 mbar, (v) between 0.0001 and 0.001 mbar, (vi) between 0.001 and 10 mbar, (vii) between 0.001 and 1 mbar, (viii) between 0.001 and 0.1 mbar, (ix) between 0.001 and 0.01 mbar, (x) between 0.01 and 10 mbar, (xi) between 0.01 and 1 mbar, (xii) between 0.01 and 0.1 mbar, (xiii) between 0.1 and 10 mbar, (xiv) between 0.1 and 1 mbar and (xv) between 1 and 10 mbar. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the drift range when used is maintained at such a pressure that a more viscous Resistance is exerted on the ions passing through the drift region. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23 to 29, which further has a pulsed ion source, wherein in use a packet ions emitted by the pulsed ion source into the drift range entry. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 23 to 29, which further an upstream of the Drift region arranged ion trap, the ion trap releases an ion packet when in use, which is in the drift range entry. A mass spectrometer according to claim 12, wherein the physico-chemical Property is selected from the following group: (i) the elution time, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, migration time or chromatographic Retention time, (ii) solubility, (iii) molecular volume or size, (iv) the net charge, the state of charge, the ionic state of charge or the composite observed state of charge, (v) the isoelectric point (pI), (vi) the dissociation constant (pKa), (vii) antibody affinity, (viii) electrophoretic mobility, (ix) ionization potential, (x) the dipole moment and (xi) the hydrogen bonding ability or the hydrogen binding capacity. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap has an input for receiving ions and an am at the other end of the ion trap arranged output, wherein at a time the one or more axial capture areas be moved to the entrance. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap has an input for receiving ions and an am at the other end of the ion trap arranged output, wherein at a time the one or more axial capture areas be moved to the exit. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a potential wall between two or more axial capture areas is removed so that the two or more capture areas a single capture area form, or a potential wall between two or more axial capture areas is lowered so that at least some ions between the two or more axial capture areas can be moved or are flexible. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using an axial stress gradient along at least a section of length the ion trap is held and the axial voltage gradient changes over time. A mass spectrometer according to any preceding claim, wherein the ion trap comprises a first electrode held at a first reference potential, a second electrode held at a second reference potential and a third electrode held at a third reference potential, wherein: at a time T _1, a first DC voltage to the first electrode is applied so that the first electrode is kept at a first potential above or below the first reference potential, at a later time T ₂ a second DC voltage is applied to the second electrode so that the second electrode is at a second potential above or is kept below the second reference potential, and a third DC voltage is applied to the third electrode at a later time T ₃ , so that the third electrode is kept at a third potential above or below the third reference potential. The mass spectrometer of claim 37, wherein: at time T _1, the second electrode is maintained at the second reference potential and the third electrode is maintained at the third reference potential, at time T _2, the first electrode is at the first potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential is held and at time T ₃ the first electrode is held at the first potential and the second electrode is held at the second potential. The mass spectrometer of claim 37, wherein: at time T _1, the second electrode is maintained at the second reference potential and the third electrode is maintained at the third reference potential, at time T ₂ , the first DC voltage is no longer applied to the first electrode, so that the the first electrode is returned to the first reference potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential, and at the time T ₃ the second DC voltage is no longer applied to the second electrode, so that the second electrode is returned to the second reference potential and the first Electrode is at the first reference potential. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 37, 38 or 39, wherein the first, second and third reference potentials are substantially the same and / or the first, the second and the third DC voltage are substantially the same and / or the first, the second and the third potentials are essentially the same. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30 segments, where each segment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30 electrodes and wherein the electrodes in a segment on substantially that same DC potential can be kept. The mass spectrometer of claim 41, wherein a plurality of segments maintained at substantially the same DC potential become. A mass spectrometer according to claim 41 or 42, wherein each segment at essentially the same DC potential as that subsequent nth segment is held, where n 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or> 30 is. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Ions (i) are locked radially in the ion trap by an alternating electrical or HF field or (ii) in a pseudo-potential well radially in the ion trap be locked up and axially by a real potential wall or a real potential well is limited become. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight time of the ions through the ion trap from the following Group selected is: (i) less than or equal to 20 ms, (ii) less than or equal to 10 ms, (iii) less than or equal to 5 ms, (iv) less than or equal to 1 ms and (v) less than or equal to 0.5 ms. A mass spectrometer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ion trap is maintained at a pressure selected from the following group when used: (i) greater than or equal to 0.0001 mbar, (ii) greater than or equal to 0.0005 mbar, (iii) greater or equal to 0.001 mbar, (iv) greater than or equal to 0.005 mbar, (v) greater than or equal to 0.01 mbar, (vi) greater than or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) greater than or equal to 0.1 mbar, (viii) greater than or equal to 0.5 mbar, (ix) greater than or equal to 1 mbar, (x) greater than or equal to 5 mbar and (xi) greater than or equal to 10 mbar. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap when used on one of the following group chosen Pressure is maintained: (i) less than or equal to 10 mbar, (ii) less or equal to 5 mbar, (iii) less than or equal to 1 mbar, (iv) less or equal to 0.5 mbar, (v) less than or equal to 0.1 mbar, (vi) less or equal to 0.05 mbar, (vii) less than or equal to 0.01 mbar, (viii) less than or equal to 0.005 mbar, (ix) less than or equal to 0.001 mbar, (x) less than or equal to 0.0005 mbar and (xi) less than or equal to 0.0001 mbar. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap when used on one of the following group chosen Pressure is maintained: (i) between 0.0001 and 10 mbar, (ii) between 0.0001 and 1 mbar, (iii) between 0.0001 and 0.1 mbar, (iv) between 0.0001 and 0.01 mbar, (v) between 0.0001 and 0.001 mbar, (vi) between 0.001 and 10 mbar, (vii) between 0.001 and 1 mbar, (viii) between 0.001 and 0.1 mbar, (ix) between 0.001 and 0.01 mbar, (x) between 0.01 and 10 mbar, (xi) between 0.01 and 1 mbar, (xii) between 0.01 and 0.1 mbar, (xiii) between 0.1 and 10 mbar, (xiv) between 0.1 and 1 mbar and (xv) between 1 and 10 mbar. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap is kept at such pressure when in use will that a viscous resistance to or through the ion trap is exerted in these incoming ions. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein ensured when using is that a or more transient DC voltages or one or more Transient DC waveforms progressively applied to the electrodes be created, which form the ion trap, so that ions pushed along the ion trap become. The mass spectrometer of claim 50, wherein when in use one or more transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms on a first axial Position along the ion trap to be placed on the electrodes and subsequently along second and then third different axial positions the ion trap are provided. The mass spectrometer of claim 50 or 51, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC voltages produce: (i) one potential hill or potential wall, (ii) one potential well, (iii) several potential hills or Potential barriers, (iv) several potential wells, (v) a combination of a potential hill or a potential wall and a potential well, or (vi) a combination from several potential hills or potential walls and several potential wells. The mass spectrometer of claim 50 or 51, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms include repetitive waveform. The mass spectrometer of claim 53, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms a square wave lock in. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein either: (i) the amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms remains essentially constant over time or (ii) the amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or one or the multiple transient DC waveforms changes in time. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein the amplitude the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms either: (i) increases in time, (ii) increases in time and then decreases, (iii) decreases in time or (iv) decreases in time and then increases. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the ion trap one upstream located entrance area, a downstream exit area and has an intermediate area, wherein: in the entrance area the amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms has a first value the amplitude in the intermediate range the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms has a second value and in the exit area the Amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms has a third value. The mass spectrometer of claim 57 where where the entrance area and / or the exit area comprises a portion of the total axial length of the ion trap which is selected from the following group: (i) <5%, (ii) 5 - 10%, (iii) 10 - 15%, (iv ) 15-20%, (v) 20-25%, (vi) 25-30%, (vii) 30-35%, (viii) 35-40% and (ix) 40-45%. A mass spectrometer according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the first and / or the third amplitude is substantially zero and the second amplitude is substantially different from zero. The mass spectrometer of claim 57, 58 or 59, wherein the second Amplitude is larger is greater than the first amplitude and / or the second amplitude than the third amplitude. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more axial capture areas with a first Velocity are moved along the ion trap and cause that ions along the ion trap at a second speed the ion trap run. The mass spectrometer of claim 61, wherein the difference between the first and second speed from the following group selected is: (i) less than or equal to 50 m / s, (ii) less than or equal to 40 m / s, (iii) less than or equal to 30 m / s, (iv) less than or equal to 20 m / s, (v) less than or equal to 10 m / s, (vi) less than or equal to 5 m / s and (vii) less than or equal to 1 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the first Speed is selected from the following group: (i) 10 - 250 m / s, (ii) 250-500 m / s, (iii) 500 - 750 m / s, (iv) 750-1000 m / s, (v) 1000 - 1250 m / s, (vi) 1250 - 1500 m / s, (vii) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (viii) 1750-2000 m / s, (ix) 2000-2250 m / s, (x) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (xi) 2500 - 2750 m / s, (xii) 2750-3000 m / s, (xiii) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xiv) 3250 - 3500 m / s, (xv) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xvi) 3750 - 4000 m / s, (xvii) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xviii) 4250 - 4500 m / s, (xix) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xx) 4750 - 5000 m / s and (xxi)> 5000 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 61, 62 or 63, wherein the second speed is selected from the following group: (i) 10-250 m / s, (ii) 250-500 m / s, (iii) 500 - 750 m / s, (iv) 750-1000 m / s, (v) 1000 - 1250 m / s, (vi) 1250 - 1500 m / s, (vii) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (viii) 1750 - 2000 m / s, (ix) 2000-2250 m / s, (x) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (xi) 2500-2750 m / s, (xii) 2750-3000 m / s, (xiii) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xiv) 3250 - 3500 m / s, (xv) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xvi) 3750-4000 m / s, (xvii) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xviii) 4250-4500 m / s, (xix) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xx) 4750 - 5000 m / s and (xxi)> 5000 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 61 to 64, the second Speed is substantially equal to the first speed. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 65, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms that are applied to the the electrodes forming the ion trap are applied, a frequency which (i) remains substantially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 66, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms that are applied to the the electrodes forming ion trap are applied, have a wavelength, which (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein ensured will that two or more transient DC voltages or two or more transients DC waveforms to the essentially simultaneously the electrodes forming the ion trap are applied. The mass spectrometer of claim 68, wherein the two or more transient DC voltages or the two or more transients DC waveforms to those forming the ion trap Electrodes are applied, are set up so that the potential barriers or move potential wells (i) in the same direction, (ii) in the opposite direction Moving directions, (iii) moving towards each other or (iv) from each other move away. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 50 to 69, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms are repeated generated and applied to the electrodes forming the ion trap and the frequency of generation of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transients DC waveforms (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases. A mass spectrometer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a time-of-flight mass analyzer having an electrode for injecting ions into a drift region, wherein the electrode is set up to be supplied with energy when in use essentially in synchronism with an ion pulse emitted from the output of the ion trap. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap is selected from the following group: (i) an ion funnel with several electrodes in which there are openings, of which Ions are let through, the diameter of the openings progressively becomes smaller or larger, (ii) an ion tunnel with several electrodes in which openings are located from which ions are let through, the diameter of the openings is substantially constant, and (iii) a stack of plates, one Ring electrode or a wire loop electrode. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap has a plurality of electrodes, each electrode an opening from which ions are passed in use. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes have a substantially circular opening. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each electrode has a single opening from which ions are passed in use. A mass spectrometer according to claim 73, 74 or 75, wherein the diameter of the openings of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the the electrodes forming the ion trap is selected from the following group: (i) less than or equal to 10 mm, (ii) less than or equal to 9 mm, (iii) less than or equal to 8 mm, (iv) less than or equal to 7 mm, (v) less or equal to 6 mm, (vi) less than or equal to 5 mm, (vii) less or equal to 4 mm, (viii) less than or equal to 3 mm, (ix) less than or equal to 2 mm and (x) less than or equal to 1 mm. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of those Electrode openings forming ion trap have substantially the same size or area. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 71, wherein the ion trap has a segmented set of rods. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap consists of the following: (i) 10-20 electrodes, (ii) 20-30 electrodes, (iii) 30-40 Electrodes, (iv) 40-50 Electrodes, (v) 50 - 60 Electrodes, (vi) 60-70 Electrodes, (vii) 70-80 Electrodes, (viii) 80-90 Electrodes, (ix) 90-100 Electrodes, (x) 100-110 Electrodes, (xi) 110-120 Electrodes, (xii) 120-130 Electrodes, (xiii) 130-140 Electrodes, (xiv) 140-150 Electrodes or (xv) more than 150 electrodes. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes is selected from the following group: (i) less than or equal to 3 mm, (ii) less than or equal to 2.5 mm, (iii) less than or equal to 2.0 mm, (iv) less than or equal to 1.5 mm, (v) less than or equal to 1.0 mm and (i) less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ion trap has a length selected from the following group: (i) less than 5 cm, (ii) 5-10 cm, (iii) 10-15 cm, (iv) 15-20 cm, (v) 20-25 cm, (vi) 25-30 cm and (vii) greater than 30 cm. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the electrodes are both connected to a DC power supply as well as an AC voltage supply or HF voltage supply are connected. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein AC or RF voltages are applied to axially adjacent electrodes have a phase difference of 180 °. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using one or more AC or RF voltage waveforms be applied to at least some of the electrodes so that ions are pushed along at least a portion of the length of the ion trap. A mass spectrometer as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an ion source selected from the group consisting of: (i) an electrospray ion source ("ESI ion source"), (ii) a chemical atmospheric pressure ionization ion source ("APCI ion source") ), (iii) an atmospheric pressure photoionization ion source ("APPI ion source"), (iv) an inductively coupled plasma ion source ("ICP ion source"), (v) an electron impact ion source ("EI ion source") , (vi) an ion source with chemical ionization ("CI ion source"), (vii) an ion source with rapid atomic bombardment ("FAB ion source"), (viii) a liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry ion source ("LSIMS ion source" ), (ix) a matrix sub supported laser desorption ionization ion source ("MALDI ion source") and (x) a laser desorption ionization ion source ("LDI ion source"). Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in one mode of operation, the one or more axial capture areas use at a speed along the ion trap which (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases, (vi) decreases and then increases, (vii) decreases substantially to zero, (viii) reverses direction or (ix) decreases substantially to zero and then reverses the direction. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using ion pulses from an exit of the ion trap escape. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein arranged in such a way when using a complex ion mixture or is designed to be trapped within the ion trap becomes. The mass spectrometer of claim 88, wherein the complex mixture at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 or 1000 different Has ion types, with each ion type a significantly different Has mass-charge ratio. A mass spectrometer according to claim 88 or 89, which further a matrix supported Laser desorption ion source (MALDI ion source). Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using a complex ion mixture in the ion trap is picked up and fractionated by the ion trap, whereby at least some of the fractions in separate axial capture areas get saved. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in an operating mode ions for subsequent mass analysis or for further Experiments are ejected from one or more axial capture areas or is allowed to exit from these. A mass spectrometer according to claim 92, wherein further experiments fragmentation and / or separation according to the mass-charge ratio and / or include ion mobility separation.