title: Two-way conversation with a mass spectrometer: nondestructive interactive mass spectrometry.
abstract: Most mass spectrometers employ destructive detection, so that it is necessary to repeat an experiment in order to vary even one parameter. In contrast, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry offers nondestructive detection, so that ions remain available for further manipulation and redetection. Here, we show for the first time how to perform mass spectrometry interactively. Following each elementary experimental stage, such as ion generation, isolation, dissociation, or detection, the operator is free to choose and tailor the next stage without creating a fresh supply of ions. For example, we can test the effect of varying one parameter over several values without having to repeat the entire experimental event sequence each time, much like varying one letter or word in a sentence without having to rewrite the whole sentence. Such interactive control promises to speed development of complex experimental event sequences, as for optimizing the sequencing and structural analysis of tiny amounts (e.g., femtomoles or less) of biomacromolecules (peptides, nucleic acids, oligosaccharides).
authors.affiliation: Center for Interdisciplinary Magnetic Resonance, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32310, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guan
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Marshall
mesh_terms: D005583:Fourier Analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*