Covariance mapping in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
A novel method for acquisition and numerical analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectral data is described. The digitized ion current transient from each consecutive laser shot is first acquired and stored independently. Subsequently, statistical correlation parameters between all stored transients are computed. We illustrate the uses of this event-by-event analysis method for studies of sample surface heterogeneity as well as for elucidating the mechanisms of ion formation in MALDI. Other potential applications of the method are also outlined.
Feldman
Andrew B
AB
Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, MD 20723, USA.
Antoine
Miquel
M
Lin
Jeffrey S
JS
Demirev
Plamen A
PA
D000465:Algorithms; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000737:chemistry; D010449:Peptide Mapping; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
D003574:Cytochrome c Group; D011506:Proteins