Parallel Mass Analysis

Abstract

A system and method of mass spectrometry is provided. Ions from an ion source are stored in a first ion storage device and in a second ion storage device. Ions are ejected from the first ion storage device to a first mass analysis device during a first ejection time period, for analysis during a first analysis time period. Ions are ejected from the second ion storage device to a second mass analysis device during a second ejection time period. The ion storage devices are connected in series such that an ion transport aperture of the first ion storage device is in communication with an ion transport aperture of the second ion storage device. The first analysis time period and the second ejection time period at least partly overlap.

1 . A mass spectrometer, comprising:
 an ion source, arranged to generate ions;   an ion storage device, configured to store the generated ions;   a plurality of mass analysers, each arranged to receive ions from the ion storage device for respective mass analysis; and   a controller, configured to repeatedly: select a mass analyser from a subset of the plurality of mass analysers, the subset comprising the mass analysers that are available for mass analysis; control the ion storage device to eject stored ions to travel to the selected mass analyser; and control the selected mass analyser to analyse the ejected ions.