title: Theoretical optimization by genetic algorithm of delayed extraction parameters for a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
abstract: This paper presents the application of a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the operating parameters, namely pulse voltage and extraction delay time, when using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). Simulations predict the presence of several combinations of these parameters that give a local maximum. The aim is to locate the optimal combination (a global maximum) of pulse voltage and extraction time delay in order to focus the ions of a particular m/z value to achieve the best resolution in a given instrumental geometry. The GA locates the global maximum quickly. The results indicate that it may be possible to achieve very high resolving power by using delayed extraction (DE)-MALDI-TOFMS with parameters obtained from the GA.
authors.affiliation: Spectroscopy Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tauro
authors.forename: M A N
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Razvi
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers