DE10330080A1 - mass spectrometry - Google Patents

Abstract

A mass spectrometer with a collision cell 1 is disclosed. It is ensured that ions with significantly different mass-to-charge ratios are present essentially simultaneously and at essentially the same speed, preferably by means of one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms which are applied to the electrodes 2, which form the collision cell 1 are transmitted through at least a section of the collision cell 1 so that ions are forced through the collision cell 1 at a constant controlled speed. By suitably adjusting the speed of the DC voltage or DC voltage waveform running along the collision cell 1, an effective collision cell is provided which is able to optimally fragment ions with considerably different mass-charge ratios essentially simultaneously.

Description

The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer and a method for mass spectrometry.

Organic molecules and biomolecules can pass through identified a technique known as MS / MS using a tandem mass spectrometer become. Starting ions of interest are selectively identified by a upstream located mass filter and then fragmented into a collision cell. The resulting Fragment ions are then removed by one located downstream of the collision cell Mass analyzer analyzed.

Known tandem mass spectrometers usually use a collision cell in which the selected precursor or parent ions are made to fragment when colliding with gas molecules in the collision cell. The most common form of a collision cell is a closed chamber into which a gas is introduced. The collision gas is commonly nitrogen or argon, although other gases such as air, helium, xenon, methane or a gas mixture can also be used. The gas pressure is typically in the range from 10 ^-3 mbar to 10 ^-2 mbar.

gegeben, wobei E die Ionenenergie, m die Masse, v die Geschwindigkeit des Ions, e die Elektronenladung und V die Spannung in Volt ist. Demgemäß gilt:

In MKS-Einheiten, wobei M in Dalton angegeben ist, gilt:

weil die Elektronenladung 1,6 × 10^–19 Coulomb ist und 1 Dalton 1,67 × 10^–27 kg ist. Gemäß der empirisch bestimmten Beziehung für einfach geladene Ionen ist die optimale Kollisionsenergiespannung in etwa gleich der Masse in Dalton dividiert durch 20, so daß gilt:

woraus sich ergibt: v2 ≈ 107 (m/s)2 v ≈ 3000 m/s The optimal collision energy for ion fragmentation depends on a number of factors, including the mass, charge, composition and internal energy of the ions to be fragmented, and the mass of the collision gas. The optimal collision energy for collision-induced fragmentation generally increases with the mass of the ion to be fragmented. For simple charged peptide ions formed using a MALDI source and subsequently cooled by collisions with the molecules of a background gas, it was empirically determined that the optimal collision energy voltage (CE voltage) is given by: CE ≈ 0.05m where m is the mass of the parent ion in daltons. The kinetic energy of an ion is through

given, E being the ion energy, m the mass, v the velocity of the ion, e the electron charge and V the voltage in volts. Accordingly:

In FMD units, where M is given in Dalton, the following applies:

because the electron charge is 1.6 x 10 ^-19 coulombs and 1 dalton is 1.67 x 10 ^-27 kg. According to the empirically determined relationship for simply charged ions, the optimal collision energy voltage is approximately equal to the mass in Daltons divided by 20, so that:

which results in: v 2 ≈ 10 7 (M / s) 2 v ≈ 3000 m / s

Therefore, the optimal collision conditions conventionally Fulfills, if ions, independently of its mass, at a speed of about 3000 m / s in enter a collision cell that, for example, a nitrogen or argon collision gas. Once the ions are in a conventional Collision cell, they quickly lose their energy. The empirically determined optimal speed of about 3000 m / s therefore no average speed through the collision cell running ions, but rather corresponds to the speed, which the ions should have when initially entering the collision cell enter.

It is conventionally known to use ions accelerate different masses so that the ions before entering have essentially the same energy in a collision cell. However, it is not known to add ions of different masses in this way speed them up essentially the same before entering a collision cell Have speed.

Conventional collision cell assemblies are therefore unable to fragment a relatively large number of ions of different masses all at substantially the same time and all with substantially the optimal collision energy. The collision energy must either be placed at some compromise value that is usually not optimal for some of the ions entering the collision cell, or it must be ensured that the ions have a collision energy that is gradual or otherwise rasterized over a suitable energy range is increased. If the range of the starting ion masses to be fragmented is relatively large and ranges, for example, from 500 to 2500 daltons, it is obvious that the ions are not opti times are fragmented.

It is therefore desirable to have a mass spectrometer with an improved fragmentation device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a mass spectrometer is provided which has:
a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having a plurality of electrodes, use being made to ensure that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions have a first mass-charge Ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass-to-charge ratio are transmitted substantially simultaneously at substantially the same first rate through at least a portion of the fragmentation device.

The preferred embodiment relates to an AC or RF collision cell with a superimposed current DC wave with constant wave speed.

When using at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with mass-to-charge ratios between the first mass-to-charge ratio and the second mass-to-charge ratio also essentially simultaneously at essentially the same first speed transmitted by the fragmentation device.

The first speed can be in the range selected from the following group: (i) 500 - 600 m / s, (ii) 600-700 m / s, (iii) 700 - 800 m / s, (iv) 800-900 m / s, (v) 900 - 1000 m / s, (vi) 1000-1100 m / s, (vii) 1100 - 1200 m / s, (viii) 1200 - 1300 m / s, (ix) 1300 - 1400 m / s and (x) 1400 - 1500 m / s. The first speed can alternatively be that of the following Group selected Range are: (i) 1500 - 1600 m / s, (ii) 1600-1700 m / s, (iii) 1700-1800 m / s, (iv) 1800-1900 m / s, (v) 1900 - 2000 m / s, (vi) 2000-2100 m / s, (vii) 2100-2200 m / s, (viii) 2200 - 2300 m / s, (ix) 2300 - 2400 m / s and (x) 2400 - 2500 m / s. The first speed can alternatively be that of the following Group selected Range are: (i) 2500 - 2600 m / s, (ii) 2600-2700 m / s, (iii) 2700-2800 m / s, (iv) 2800-2900 m / s, (v) 2900 - 3000 m / s, (vi) 3000 - 3100 m / s, (vii) 3100 - 3200 m / s, (viii) 3200 - 3300 m / s, (ix) 3300 - 3400 m / s and (x) 3400 - 3500 m / s. The first speed can alternatively be that of the following Group selected Range are: (i) 3500 - 3600 m / s, (ii) 3600 - 3700 m / s, (iii) 3700 - 3800 m / s, (iv) 3800 - 3900 m / s, (v) 3900 - 4000 m / s, (vi) 4000-4100 m / s, (vii) 4100 - 4200 m / s, (viii) 4200 - 4300 m / s, (ix) 4300 - 4400 m / s and (x) 4400 - 4500 m / s. The first speed could be also lie in the range selected from the following group: (i) 4500 - 4600 m / s, (ii) 4600-4700 m / s, (iii) 4700-4800 m / s, (iv) 4800-4900 m / s, (v) 4900 - 5000 m / s, (vi) 5000-5100 m / s, (vii) 5100 - 5200 m / s, (viii) 5200 - 5300 m / s, (ix) 5300 - 5400 m / s, (x) 5400 - 5500 m / s, (xi) 5500 - 5600 m / s, (xii) 5600 - 5700 m / s, (xiii) 5700 - 5800 m / s, (xiv) 5800 - 5900 m / s, (xv) 5900 - 6000 m / s and (xvi)> 6000 m / s.

The difference between the first Mass-to-charge ratio and the second mass-to-charge ratio may preferably be at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1450, 1500, 1550, 1600, 1650, 1700, 1750, 1800, 1850, 1900, 1950, 2000, 2050, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2250, 2300, 2350, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2550, 2600, 2650, 2700, 2750, 2800, 2850, 2900, 2950 or 3000 mass-charge ratio units.

The ions with the first mass-to-charge ratio and the ions with the second mass-charge ratio are preferably im essentially the same first speed essentially by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the axial length transmitted to the fragmentation device.

Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios when used by one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms, which are continuously applied to the electrodes so that ions be pushed along the fragmentation device, preferably in transmitted essentially simultaneously by the fragmentation device.

When using it is preferred an axial stress gradient along at least a section the length maintain the fragmentation device, the axial Voltage gradient changes over time, while Ions are transmitted through the fragmentation device.

The fragmentation device can have at least one first electrode kept at a first reference potential, one second electrode kept at a second reference potential and one third electrode kept at a third reference potential, a first direct voltage being applied to the first electrode at a first time t ₁ , so that the first electrode is kept at a first potential above or below the first reference potential, a second DC voltage is applied to the second electrode at a second later time t ₂ , so that the second electrode is kept at a second potential above or below the second reference potential and at a third later time t ₃ a third DC voltage is applied to the third electrode so that the third electrode is at a third potential is held above or below the third reference potential.

According to one embodiment, at the first time t _1, the second electrode on the second reference potential and the third electrode on the third reference potential, located at the second time t ₂ said first electrode at the first potential and the third electrode on the third reference potential and is to the third time t _3, the first electrode at the first potential and the second electrode at the second potential.

According to an alternative embodiment, at the first time t ₁ the second electrode is at the second reference potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential, at the second time t ₂ the first DC voltage is 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, and at the third 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.

The first, the second and the third Reference potentials are preferably essentially the same. The first, second and third DC voltages are preferred essentially the same. The first, the second and the third potential are preferably substantially the same.

The fragmentation device can 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 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 at substantially the same DC potential being held.

Multiple segments can be in the be kept essentially at the same DC potential. Preferably, each segment is essentially the same DC potential held as the following nth segment, where n 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 are preferred within the fragmentation device radially by an electrical alternating or RF field locked. Ions are inside the fragmentation device radially locked in a pseudo potential well and preferably axially through a real potential wall or a real potential well limited.

The flight time of ions through the fragmentation device is preferably from the following Group selected: (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.

It is preferably ensured that that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of those in the fragmentation device incoming ions when used have an energy that is easy for a charged ion larger or is equal to 10 eV or for a double charged ion greater than or equal to Is 20 eV, so that causes is that the Ions fragment.

It is preferably ensured that that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the device in the fragmentation incoming ions when colliding with the collision gas within the Fragmentation device fragment.

The fragmentation device will preferably kept at a pressure from the following group selected 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 to 5 mbar and (xi) greater or equal to 10 mbar. Preferably the fragmentation device kept at a pressure selected from the following group: (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 than or equal to 0.0005 mbar and (xi) less than or equal to 0.0001 mbar. Preferably the fragmentation device is used on a Hold pressure selected from the following group: (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 fragmentation device will preferably kept at such pressure when in use, that on the ions passing through the fragmentation device are more viscous Exerted resistance becomes.

When used, a or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms initially on a first axial Position and then a second and then a third different axial position along the fragmentation device provided.

It is preferably ensured that one or more transients occur during use Moving DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms from one end of the fragmentation device to another end of the fragmentation device so that ions are forced along the fragmentation device.

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

The one or more transient DC waveforms include preferably a repetitive waveform like a Square wave.

The amplitude of one or the several transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms preferably remain in the essentially constant over time. Alternatively, the amplitude the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms change in time. The amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms can increase in time, increase in time and then decrease in time decrease or decrease in time and then increase.

The fragmentation device can one upstream located entrance area, a downstream exit area and have an intermediate area, wherein: in the entrance area the amplitude of one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms has a first value, the amplitude in the intermediate region one or more transient DC voltages or one or multiple transient DC waveforms has a second value and in the output area the amplitude of one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transients DC waveforms has a third value.

The entrance area and / or the Output area includes preferably a portion of the total axis length of the fragmentation device, 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 %.

The first and / or the third amplitude can be substantially zero, and the second amplitude can be substantially be different from zero. The second amplitude is preferably larger than the first amplitude and / or the second amplitude is greater than the third amplitude.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms preferably run at a second speed when in use along the fragmentation device. The second speed can be essentially constant, change, increase, increase and then lose weight, lose weight, lose weight and then increase, essentially be reduced to zero, reverse direction or essentially be reduced to zero and then reverse direction.

The difference between the first Speed (internal speed) and the second speed (Speed of the running DC voltage wave) 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 second speed is preferably off selected from the following group: (i) 500 - 750 m / s, (ii) 750-1000 m / s, (iii) 1000-1250 m / s, (iv) 1250 - 1500 m / s, (v) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (vi) 1750-2000 m / s, (vii) 2000-2250 m / s, (viii) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (ix) 2500-2750 m / s, (x) 2750 - 3000 m / s, (xi) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xii) 3250-3500 m / s, (xiii) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xiv) 3750 - 4000 m / s, (xv) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xvi) 4250-4500 m / s, (xvii) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xviii) 4750 - 5000 m / s, (xix) 5000 - 5250 m / s, (xx) 5250-5500 m / s, (xxi) 5500 - 5750 m / s, (xiii) 5750 - 6000 m / s and (xxiii)> 6000 m / s.

The second speed is the same preferably substantially the first speed.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms preferably have a frequency, the frequency (i) being essentially remains constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms preferably have a wavelength, being the wavelength (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases.

Two or more DC transient voltages or two or more DC transient waveforms can run simultaneously along the fragmentation device. The two or more DC transient voltages or the two or more DC transient waveforms can (i) move in the same direction, (ii) move in opposite directions, (iii) move towards each other, (iv) move away from each other gene.

The one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms can repeat generated and when used along the fragmentation device are sent, the frequency of generating one or the several transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases or (vi) decreases and then increases.

When using a continuous Ion beam can be received at the entrance of the fragmentation device. Alternatively, you can Receive ion packets at an input of the fragmentation device become.

Ion pulses occur preferentially from an exit of the fragmentation device. The mass spectrometer preferably has an ion detector, provided for this is that the ion detector when used with those from the exit of the fragmentation device emerging ion pulses essentially phase-synchronized is. The mass spectrometer can be a time-of-flight mass analyzer have an electrode for injecting ions into a Has drift range, being for it is ensured that the Electrode when used with the output from the fragmentation device emerging ion pulses essentially synchronized with energy is supplied.

The fragmentation device is preferably selected from the following group: (i) an ion funnel with several electrodes in which there are openings through which Ions transfer become, the diameter of the openings continuously smaller or gets bigger, (ii) an ion tunnel with several electrodes, in which there are openings through which ions are transferred , the diameter of the openings being substantially constant remains, (iii) a stack of plate, ring or wire loop electrodes.

The fragmentation device points preferably a plurality of electrodes, each electrode having an opening, through which ions are transferred when in use. Each electrode has preferably a substantially circular opening. Every electrode preferably has a single opening through which ions are transferred in use.

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

At least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the electrodes forming the fragmentation device preferably have openings that are essentially the same size or area.

According to another embodiment, can the fragmentation device has a segmented set of rods.

The fragmentation device exists preferably from: (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.

The thickness of at least 50%, 60 %, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the electrodes is from the following Group selected: (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 or equal to 1.0 mm and (vi) less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The fragmentation device points preferably a length selected from the following group: (i) less than 5 cm, (i i) 5 - 10 cm, (i i i) 10-15 cm, (iv) 15-2 0 cm, (v) 20-25 cm, (vi) 25-30 cm and (vii) greater than 30 cm.

The fragmentation device has preferably a housing with an upstream located opening, to enable that ions entering the fragmentation device and a downstream opening, to enable that ions emerge from the fragmentation device.

The fragmentation device can still have an inlet opening, through which a collision gas is introduced. The collision gas can be air and / or one or more inert gases and / or one or have several non-inert gases.

Preferably at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the electrodes to both a DC and an AC or RF power supply connected. Axially adjacent electrodes AC or RF voltages with a phase difference of 180 ° fed.

In a less preferred embodiment, when using at least some of the electrodes, one or more AC or RF voltage waveforms can be applied so that ions are forced along at least a portion of the length of the fragmentation device. The AC or RF voltage waveforms are applied to the electrodes in addition to the AC or RF voltages which cause the ions to radially within the frag mentation device are locked, but the ions do not significantly push along the length of the device.

The mass spectrometer preferably has an 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) a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization ion source ("MALDI ion source"), (v) a laser desorption ionization ion source ("LDI ion source"), (vi) an inductively coupled plasma ion source ("ICP ion source"), (vii) an electron impact ion source ("EI ion source"), (viii) an ion source with chemical ionization ("CI ion source"), (ix) an ion source with rapid atomic bombardment ("FAB ion source") and (x) a liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry ion source ( "LSIMS") ion source.

It can be continuous or a pulsed ion source can be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a mass spectrometer is provided which has:
an ion source,
a mass filter,
a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having a plurality of electrodes, use being made to ensure that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions have a first mass-charge Ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass-to-charge ratio are transmitted substantially simultaneously at substantially the same first rate through at least a portion of the fragmentation device, and a mass analyzer.

Preferably, there is also an upstream of the mass filter arranged ion guide provided. The ion guide may have multiple electrodes, at least some of the electrodes both to a DC voltage supply and to an AC voltage supply or HF voltage supply are connected and where one or several transient DC voltages or the one or more DC transient waveforms when used along at least a portion of the length the ion guide are moved to ions along the portion of the length of the ion guide to urge.

The mass filter can be a quadrupole set of mass filters include. The mass analyzer preferably comprises a time-of-flight mass analyzer, a quadrupole mass analyzer, a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass analyzer ("FTICR mass analyzer") and a 2D (linear) or 3D (Paul) quadrupole ion trap.

According to another aspect of The present invention is a mass spectrometer with a collision cell provided that ions differ in their mass-to-charge ratios by at least 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 Mass to charge ratio units differ by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30 %, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85 %, 90% or 95% of the collision cell at essentially the same Running speed.

According to another aspect of In the present invention, a collision cell is provided, wherein when using ions with significantly different mass-charge ratios transmitted through the collision cell at substantially the same speed become.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mass spectrometry is provided, which has the following steps:
Providing a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having a plurality of electrodes, and
substantially simultaneously transferring at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first mass to charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass to charge ratio through at least a portion of the fragmentation device at substantially the same first rate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mass spectrometry is provided, which has the following steps:
Providing an ion source, a mass filter, a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having a plurality of electrodes, and a mass analyzer and
substantially simultaneously transferring at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first mass to charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass-to-charge ratio at substantially the same first rate through at least a portion of the fragmentation device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mass spectrometry is provided, which has the following steps:
Providing a collision cell and
Passing ions that differ in their mass-to-charge ratios by at least 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 mass-to-charge ratio units by at least 5%, 10%, 15 %, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the collision cell at substantially the same speed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mass spectrometry is provided, which has the following steps:
Providing a collision cell and
Transfer of ions with significantly different mass-to-charge ratios through the collision cell at substantially the same speed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a mass spectrometer is provided which has:
an alternating voltage or HF ion guide and
a fragmentation device, which is arranged downstream of the AC voltage or HF ion guide,
wherein, in use, one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms are continuously applied to the AC or RF ion guide to ensure that ions with several different mass-to-charge ratios are substantially the same Speed is transmitted through the ion guide, whereupon it is ensured that the ions enter the fragmentation device at substantially the same speed and are fragmented to a considerable extent.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mass spectrometry is provided which comprises:
Providing an AC or RF ion guide and a fragmentation device downstream of the AC or RF ion guide and
continuously applying one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms to the AC or RF ion guide so that ions with multiple different mass-to-charge ratios are transmitted through the ion guide at substantially the same rate, then are made to enter the fragmentation device at substantially the same rate, whereupon they are fragmented to a significant extent.

The background gas is preferably within the fragmentation device considerably heavier than that Background gas within the AC or RF ion guide.

Preferably the fragmentation device on a higher Pressure held as the AC or RF ion guide. For example the pressure in the fragmentation device can be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% larger than the pressure within the AC or RF ion guide. According to one another embodiment can the pressure in the fragmentation device be at least twice, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, 100x, 200x, 500x, 1000x, 2000 times, 5000 times, 10000 times the pressure within the AC voltage or HF ion guidance be.

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

1 shows a preferred collision cell,

2A shows a running DC voltage with a single potential hill, 2 B shows a running DC voltage with a single potential well, 2C shows a combination of a running DC voltage waveform with a potential hill and a running DC voltage waveform with a potential well, 2D shows a repetitive DC voltage waveform and 2E shows another repeating DC waveform,

3A 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil starting ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 455 enter the collision cell with a collision energy of 9 eV with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s, 3B shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 20 eV enter a collision cell, 3C shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 26 eV enter a collision cell, 3D shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 29 eV, 3E FIG. 2 shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 39 eV, 3F FIG. 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 2 eV according to the preferred embodiment, and 3G 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when verapamil output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 10 eV according to the preferred embodiment,

4A a mass spectrum that he shows hold when diphenhydramine starting ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 256 enter a collision cell with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 9 eV, 4B FIG. 3 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 20 eV, 4C FIG. 2 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 26 eV, 4D FIG. 3 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 29 eV, 4E FIG. 2 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 39 eV, 4F FIG. 14 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter into a collision cell with a collision energy of 2 eV, and 4G 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when diphenhydramine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 10 eV,

5A 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine starting ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 472 enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 9 eV with a DC voltage waveform running at 150 m / s, 5B FIG. 2 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 20 eV, 5C FIG. 3 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 26 eV, 5D 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s and having a collision energy of 29 eV enter a collision cell, 5E shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 39 eV enter a collision cell, 5F FIG. 5 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter into a collision cell with a collision energy of 2 eV, and 5G 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when terfenadine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 10 eV according to the preferred embodiment,

6A 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine starting ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 311 enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 9 eV with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s, 6B 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 20 eV, 6C 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine source ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 26 eV, 6D 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 29 eV, 6E 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 39 eV, 6F FIG. 5 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxin starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter into a collision cell with a collision energy of 2 eV, and 6G 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when sulfadimethoxine starting ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 10 eV according to the preferred embodiment,

7A 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 609 enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 9 eV with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s, 7B shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 20 eV enter a collision cell, 7C shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 26 eV into one Collision cell enter 7D shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s with a collision energy of 29 eV enter a collision cell, 7E 4 shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 150 m / s enter a collision cell with a collision energy of 39 eV, 7F FIG. 5 shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter into a collision cell with a collision energy of 2 eV, and 7G FIG. 14 shows a mass spectrum obtained when reserpine output ions with a DC potential waveform running at 1500 m / s according to the preferred embodiment enter into a collision cell with a collision energy of 10 eV, and

8th shows the change in the optimal gas velocity depending on the gas cell pressure for a gas cell length of 185 mm.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG 1 described. It is a segmented collision cell 1 provided the multiple electrodes 2 which can be grouped into several segments. Ions are at an entrance 3 receive and step through an exit 4 out. According to one embodiment, one or more DC voltage potential walls or DC voltage potential sinks along the collision cell 1 can be moved, and there can be a repeating pattern of DC electrical potentials along a segmented collision cell 1 be superimposed so that a periodic DC voltage waveform is formed. The DC voltage waveform runs along at least part of the collision cell 1 in the direction in which the ions have to be moved at a constant speed.

If gas is present at a suitable pressure, the ionic movement is dampened by the viscous resistance of the gas. The ions therefore drift forward at substantially the same rate as the running DC waveform, which is substantially along the collision cell 1 is moved. Irrespective of their mass, the ions therefore travel through the collision cell at approximately the same speed 1 , It will be understood that the kinetic energy is generated by the collision cell 1 transferred ions change proportionally to their mass if they have substantially the same speed. Because it has been empirically determined that the optimal collision energy of an ion is also proportional to the mass of the ion, the kinetic energy of all ions can be such that the ions fragment optimally when colliding with gas molecules if the running wave is set sufficiently quickly.

It has been found that, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the speed of the traveling wave required to initiate fragmentation can be lower than the value of approximately 3000 m / s that applies to conventional collision cells when DC voltage is applied to the collision cell 1 is created. For example, it has been found that running wave speeds below 1500 m / s are sufficient to initiate fragmentation. It is believed that this is because the collision cell 1 According to the preferred embodiment, the ions are kept at a desired rate while being preferably through the entire length of the collision cell 1 run while the ions in a conventional collision cell quickly lose kinetic energy upon entering it.

According to a less preferred embodiment, an AC or RF ion guide can be provided upstream of a collision cell, which is a conventional collision cell or a collision cell 1 according to the preferred embodiment, wherein a DC voltage or a DC voltage waveform is applied to the collision cell to ion along the collision cell 1 to urge. A running DC voltage or current DC waveform is applied to the AC or RF ion guide so that the speed of the DC current waveform in the AC or RF ion guide is preferably set just below the speed required to initiate fragmentation with the respective gas molecules in the ion guide. However, it is then ensured that the ions which are emitted by the AC voltage or HF ion guide and which have essentially the same speed enter the collision cell which, according to one embodiment, are at a higher pressure than the AC voltage or HF Ion guidance can be maintained, the ions then being subjected to a collision-induced decomposition within the collision cell. The energy of each ion entering the gas collision cell is approximately proportional to its mass, which is why the collision energy can be optimized simultaneously for all ions, regardless of their mass, because it is known that the optimal collision energy is also proportional to the mass of the ion. The collision cell can also or alternatively contain a heavier gas than the AC or RF ion guide, so that even if the pressure of the collision cell is substantially similar to that of the AC or RF ion guide, the heavier gas molecules in the collision cell are sufficient to a fragmentati on at the speeds at which the ions enter the collision cell.

The fragmentation device or the collision cell 1 According to one embodiment, a segmented multipole rod set or more preferably a stacked ring set (“ion tunnel”). The fragmentation device 1 is preferably segmented in the axial direction so that independent transient DC potentials or DC waveforms can be applied to individual segments. The transient direct voltage potential (the transient direct voltage potentials) or the transient direct voltage waveforms are preferably superimposed on an alternating voltage or RF voltage applied to the electrodes, which cell locks ions radially within the collision cell 1 causes. The transient DC potential (s) or transient DC waveforms are also preferably applied to any of the electrodes 2 applied constant axial DC voltage offset voltage superimposed, which form a constant axial DC voltage gradient. The electrodes 2 applied DC voltage potentials can be changed over time in order to generate a running DC voltage wave in the axial direction.

At all times there is between electrodes 2 or segments of the collision cell 1 creates a voltage gradient that causes ions to be pushed or pulled in a particular direction. If the voltage gradient moves in the required direction, the ions do the same. The on each of the electrodes 2 or each of the individual DC voltages applied to the segments are preferably programmed to produce a desired DC voltage or waveform. Furthermore, the individual DC voltages on each of the electrodes 2 or preferably each of the segments is also programmed to change synchronously so that the voltage or shape is preferably maintained but shifted in the direction in which it must move the ions.

No static axial DC voltage gradient is required, although the running DC voltage wave can be provided less preferably in connection with a constant axial DC voltage gradient. The transient DC voltage or the transient DC voltage waveform applied to each segment or each electrode 2 is applied, may be above and / or below that of the constant DC offset to cause the ions to move in the axial direction.

The 2A - e show five different examples of transient DC voltages or transient DC voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes 2 can be overlaid. 2A shows a transient DC voltage with a single potential hill or potential wall, 2 B shows a transient DC voltage with a single potential well, 2C shows a transient DC voltage waveform with a single well, followed by a hill or wall, 2D shows a transient DC waveform with a repeating potential hill or wall, and 2E shows a transient DC waveform with periodic pulses.

The one on each electrode 2 or each segment of applied DC voltage or DC waveform can be programmed to change continuously or in a series of steps. The consequence of being attached to each electrode 2 or each segment of DC voltage applied can be repeated at regular intervals or at continuously increasing or decreasing intervals.

Bei einem richtigen Betrieb gleicht die Geschwindigkeit v der Ionen derjenigen der laufenden Gleichspannung oder der Geschwindigkeit v_wave der Spannungswellenform. Für eine gegebene Wellenlänge kann die Wellengeschwindigkeit durch Auswahl der Zykluszeit gesteuert werden. Die bevorzugte Geschwindigkeit der laufenden Gleichspannungswelle kann von einer Anzahl von Faktoren, einschließlich des Bereichs zu analysierender Ionenmassen, des Drucks und der Zusammensetzung der Kollisionsgases und der minimalen zur Fragmentation erforderlichen Kollisionsenergie, abhängen.The time over which the complete sequence of voltages is applied over a wavelength of a certain segment is the cycle time T. The reciprocal of the cycle time is the wave frequency f. The distance along the collision cell 1 over which the voltage waveform repeats is the wavelength λ. The wavelength divided by the cycle time is the speed of the current DC voltage wave. Therefore, v _wave applies to the wave speed

When operated correctly, the velocity v of the ions is equal to that of the current DC voltage or the velocity v _{wave of} the voltage waveform. For a given wavelength, the wave speed can be controlled by selecting the cycle time. The preferred velocity of the DC wave running may depend on a number of factors, including the range of ion masses to be analyzed, the pressure and composition of the collision gas, and the minimum collision energy required for fragmentation.

The collision cell working with a running shaft 1 can preferably be used at medium pressures between 0.0001 and 100 mbar, more preferably between 0.001 and 10 mbar, even more preferably between 0.001 and 0.1 mbar. At these gas densities, the ions are subject to a viscous resistance. The gas at these pressures therefore appears to the ions as a viscous medium and causes the ions to slow down. The viscous resistance resulting from frequent collisions with gas molecules prevents the ions from building up excessive speed. As a result, the ions usually run on or with the current DC wave, instead of running in front of it and making excessive oscillations within the current potential wells.

By the presence of the collision gas a maximum speed is enforced at which the ions at a given field strength run the gas. The higher the gas pressure is the more common are the ion-molecule collisions and the more The ions run slower at a given field strength. The Energy of the ions depends on their mass and on the square of their speed.

It is desirable that the collision energy of simply charged ions in a collision cell be larger for higher mass ions. If it is necessary to fragment a number of different precursor ions, each with a different mass, at the same time, it is conventionally not possible to determine only a single collision energy which is optimal for all different precursor ions with masses which vary over wide ranges. At the collision cell 1 however, according to the preferred embodiment, ions with a wide mass range can be made to have substantially the same velocity as they pass through the collision cell 1 be transmitted. If all ions, regardless of their mass, have approximately the same speed, the collision energy of the ions is proportional to their mass. Because it is empirically known that the optimal collision energy is proportional to the mass of the ions, the collision energy can be optimized simultaneously for all ions, regardless of their mass.

The in the 3 - 7 Mass spectra presented were all using a collision cell 1 obtained, which consists of a stack of 122 ring electrodes, each 0.5 mm thick and 1.0 mm apart. The central opening of each ring was 5.0 mm in diameter and the total length of each ring stack was 182 mm. An RF voltage of 2.75 MHz was applied between adjacent rings to the ions within the collision cell 1 to be locked radially. The pressure in the collision cell 1 was about 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. The current DC voltage waveform applied had a regular periodic pulse of constant amplitude and speed. The running DC voltage waveform was generated by applying a transient DC voltage to a pair of ring electrodes, and each subsequent pair of rings was shifted seven ring pairs along the ring stack. For each pair of rings, one electrode was held at a positive phase of the RF voltage and the other was held at the negative phase thereof. A wavelength of the DC voltage waveform therefore consisted of two rings with an increased (transient) DC potential, followed by twelve rings which were kept at lower (normal) potentials. Accordingly, the wavelength λ corresponded to 14 rings (21 mm), and the collision cell 1 therefore had a length corresponding to approximately 5.8λ.

The current DC potential waveform was generated by applying a transient 10 V voltage to each pair of ring electrodes for a given time t before moving the applied voltage to the next pair of ring electrodes. This episode was along the collision cell 1 repeated evenly. Accordingly, the wave velocity was v _wave = λ / t 3 mm / t, where t is the time during which the transient DC voltage was applied to an electrode.

In the 3 - 7 CID-MS / MS data are presented for a number of connections at different collision energies, with a running DC voltage waveform at different speeds of the running wave. The data show that at relatively low speeds of the traveling wave (for example 150 m / s) the collision energy determines the nature of the MS / MS spectrum and optimizes it at different collision energies for different starting ion masses. At higher speeds of the running wave (for example 1500 m / s), however, a high collision energy is not required and only one wave speed is required to initiate fragmentation regardless of the starting ion mass.

The 3A - 3G show fragmentation spectra obtained from Verapamil (m / z 455) using different collision energies and two different speeds of the running wave. The speed of the running wave was in the 3A - 3E mass spectra shown 150 m / s and for those in the 3F and 3G mass spectra shown 1500 m / s. The pulse voltage was 10 V and the gas cell pressure was 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. The collision energy for the in 3A mass spectrum shown 9 eV, for the in 3B shown mass spectrum 20 eV, for the in 3C shown mass spectrum 26 eV, for the in 3D shown mass spectrum 29 eV, for the in 3E shown mass spectrum 39 eV, for the in 3F mass spectrum shown 2 eV and for the in 3G mass spectrum shown 10 eV.

The 4A - 4G show fragmentation spectra obtained from diphenhydramine (m / z 256) using different collision energies and two different speeds of the running wave. The speed of the running wave was in the 4A - 4E mass spectra shown 150 m / s and for those in the 4F and 4G mass spectra shown 1500 m / s. The pulse voltage was 10 V and the gas cell pressure was 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. Diphenhydramine is unusual in that it fragments exceptionally easily. It is sometimes called a test connection used to show how gentle a source is. The collision energy for the in 4A mass spectrum shown 9 eV, for the in 4B shown mass spectrum 20 eV, for the in 4C shown mass spectrum 26 eV, for the in 4D shown mass spectrum 29 eV, for the in 4E shown mass spectrum 39 eV, for the in 4F mass spectrum shown 2 eV and for the in 4G mass spectrum shown 10 eV.

The 5A - 5G show fragmentation spectra obtained from terfenadine (m / z 472) using different collision energies and two different speeds of the traveling wave. The speed of the running wave was in the 5A - 5E mass spectra shown 150 m / s and for those in the 5F and 5G mass spectra shown 1500 m / s. The pulse voltage was 10 V and the gas cell pressure was 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. The collision energy for the in 5A mass spectrum shown 9 eV, for the in 5B shown mass spectrum 20 eV, for the in

5C shown mass spectrum 26 eV, for the in 5D shown mass spectrum 29 eV, for the in 5E shown mass spectrum 39 eV, for the in 5F mass spectrum shown 2 eV and for the in 5G mass spectrum shown 10 eV.

The 6A - 6G show fragmentation spectra obtained from sulfadimethoxin (m / z 311) using different collision energies and two different speeds of the running wave. The speed of the running wave was in the 6A - 6E mass spectra shown 150 m / s and for those in the 6F and 6G mass spectra shown 1500 m / s. The pulse voltage was 10 V and the gas cell pressure was 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. The collision energy for the in 6A mass spectrum shown 9 eV, for the in 6B shown mass spectrum 20 eV, for the in 6C shown mass spectrum 26 eV, for the in 6D shown mass spectrum 29 eV, for the in 6E shown mass spectrum 39 eV, for the in 6F mass spectrum shown 2 eV and for the in 6G mass spectrum shown 10 eV.

Finally they show 7A - 7G Fragmentation spectra obtained from reserpine (m / z 609) using different collision energies and two different speeds of the running wave. The speed of the running wave was in the 7A - 7E mass spectra shown 150 m / s and for those in the 7F and 7G mass spectra shown 1500 m / s. The pulse voltage was 10 V and the gas cell pressure was 3.4 × 10 ^-3 mbar. The collision energy for the in 7A mass spectrum shown 9 eV, for the in 7B shown mass spectrum 20 eV, for the in 7C shown mass spectrum 26 eV, for the in 7D shown mass spectrum 29 eV, for the in 7E shown mass spectrum 39 eV, for the in 7F mass spectrum shown 2 eV and for the in 7G mass spectrum shown 10 eV.

It was then made using a similar collision cell to that obtained in the 3 - 7 data, a series of experiments were performed to determine the optimal speed of the current DC waveform at which the best degree of fragmentation would result. Measurements were carried out for various single and double-charged ions with mass-to-charge ratios in the range from 200 to 700. The gas collision cell was 185 mm long and the collision gas was argon. It was observed that the optimal wave velocity was approximately the same for all the ions under consideration. However, the optimal wave speed was lower than the conventional optimal speed of 3000 m / s. It was also observed that the optimal wave speed depends on the gas pressure and decreased with increasing pressure. 8th shows the optimal speed of the current DC voltage waveform for pressures over the range of 0.001 to 0.011 mbar. The optimum wave speed was about 1900 m / s at 0.001 mbar, about 1500 m / s at 0.003 mbar and about 950 m / s at 0.01 mbar.

It has been found that the conventional empirical rule in which the collision energy (in volts) is set to m / 20 , where m is the ion mass, works quite satisfactorily. The collision energy refers to the energy of the ions when them into a conventional one Enter the gas collision cell. With a conventional gas collision cell the ions go through numerous collisions and their speed decreases approximately exponentially. Hence the average ion-molecule collision speed or collision energy less than its initial speed.

In the case of the preferred collision cell 1 , which has a running DC potential wave, the ions are accelerated again after they have lost energy due to collisions with gas molecules.

The higher the pressure in the collision cell, the shorter the mean free path between ion-molecule collisions, and therefore the greater the number of collisions. Therefore, according to the preferred embodiment, if a running DC waveform exists to maintain the ion-molecule collision energy, the product of the average ion-molecule collision energy and the number of collisions increases as the pressure increases. With such a system, the optimal ion-molecule collision speed can be expected to decrease as more collisions occur to induce optimal fragmentation. In this way the product of the average ion-molecule collision energy and the number of collisions remains constant. The optimal shaft speed can therefore be expected to decrease as the pressure increases. In the 8th The results presented support this argument.

This is in contrast to one usual Gas cell with no DC voltage waveform running Maintaining the speed of the ions exists. Take accordingly the ion velocities after a certain number of collisions to an insignificant level, and the product of the average Ion-molecule collision speed and the number of collisions remains fairly constant if the Gas pressure and length the gas cell are adequate to get to this point. It can therefore be expected in this situation that the optimal Collision energy does not depend very much on gas pressure.

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 in the appended claims set out scope of the invention.

Claims (94)

Mass spectrometer, which has: a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having several Has electrodes, provided for in use that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first Mass-to-charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass-to-charge ratio essentially simultaneously at substantially the same first speed by at least one Section of the fragmentation device transmitted or transmitted become. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein in use at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with Mass-to-charge ratios between the first mass-to-charge ratio and the second mass-to-charge ratio too essentially simultaneously at essentially the same first Speed transmitted through the fragmentation device become. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first speed is in the range selected from the following group: (i) 500 - 600 m / s, (ii) 600-700 m / s, (iii) 700-800 m / s, (iv) 800-900 m / s, (v) 900 - 1000 m / s, (vi) 1000-1100 m / s, (vii) 1100 - 1200 m / s, (viii) 1200 - 1300 m / s, (ix) 1300 - 1400 m / s and (x) 1400 - 1500 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first speed is in the range selected from the following group: (i) 1500 - 1600 m / s, (ii) 1600-1700 m / s, (iii) 1700-1800 m / s, (iv) 1800-1900 m / s, (v) 1900 - 2000 m / s, (vi) 2000-2100 m / s, (vii) 2100-2200 m / s, (viii) 2200 - 2300 m / s, (ix) 2300 - 2400 m / s and (x) 2400 - 2500 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first speed lies in the range selected from the following group: (i) 2500 - 2600 m / s, (ii) 2600-2700 m / s, (iii) 2700-2800 m / s, (iv) 2800-2900 m / s, (v) 2900 - 3000 m / s, (vi) 3000 - 3100 m / s, (vii) 3100 - 3200 m / s, (viii) 3200 - 3300 m / s, (ix) 3300 - 3400 m / s and (x) 3400 - 3500 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first speed lies in the range selected from the following group: (i) 3500 - 3600 m / s, (ii) 3600-3700 m / s, (iii) 3700 - 3800 m / s, (iv) 3800 - 3900 m / s, (v) 3900 - 4000 m / s, (vi) 4000-4100 m / s, (vii) 4100 - 4200 m / s, (viii) 4200 - 4300 m / s, (ix) 4300 - 4400 m / s and (x) 4400 - 4500 m / s. A mass spectrometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first speed lies in the range selected from the following group: (i) 4500 - 4600 m / s, (ii) 4600-4700 m / s, (iii) 4700-4800 m / s, (iv) 4800-4900 m / s, (v) 4900 - 5000 m / s, (vi) 5000-5100 m / s, (vii) 5100 - 5200 m / s, (viii) 5200 - 5300 m / s, (ix) 5300 - 5400 m / s, (x) 5400 - 5500 m / s, (xi) 5500 - 5600 m / s, (xii) 5600 - 5700 m / s, (xiii) 5700 - 5800 m / s, (xiv) 5800 - 5900 m / s, (xv) 5900 - 6000 m / s and (xvi)> 6000 m / s. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the first mass-charge ratio and the second mass-charge ratio at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 or 1000 mass-charge ratio units is. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the first mass-to-charge ratio and the second mass-to-charge ratio is at least 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1450, 1500, 1550, 1600, 1650, 1700, 1750, 1800, 1850, 1900, 1950 or 2000 mass-charge ratio units is. A mass spectrometer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the first mass-to-charge ratio and the second mass-to-charge ratio is at least 2050, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2250, 2300, 2350, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2550, 2600, 2650, 2700, 2750, 2800, 2850, 2900, 2950 or 3000 mass-charge ratio units. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ions with the first mass-charge ratio and the ions with the second mass to charge ratio at essentially the same first speed by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the axial length transmitted to the fragmentation device. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios when used by one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms, which are continuously applied to the electrodes so that ions be pushed along the fragmentation device, essentially transmitted simultaneously through the fragmentation device become. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using an axial stress gradient along at least a section of length the fragmentation device is maintained and wherein the axial voltage gradient changes over time as ions are transmitted through the fragmentation device. A mass spectrometer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device comprises at least one first electrode held at a first reference potential, one second electrode held at a second reference potential and one third electrode held at a third reference potential, wherein: at a first time t ₁ a first DC voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the first electrode is kept at a first potential above or below the first reference potential, at a second later time t ₂ a second DC voltage is applied to the second electrode so that the second electrode is at a second Potential is kept above or below the second reference potential, and a third DC voltage is applied to the third electrode at a third later time t ₃ , so that the third electrode is kept at a third potential above or below the third reference potential ill. A mass spectrometer according to claim 14, wherein at the first time t ₁ the second electrode is at the second reference potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential, at the second time t ₂ the first electrode is at the first potential and the third electrode is at third reference potential and at the third time t ₃ the first electrode is at the first potential and the second electrode is at the second potential. A mass spectrometer according to claim 14, wherein at the first time t ₁ the second electrode is at the second reference potential and the third electrode is at the third reference potential, at the second time t ₂ the first DC voltage is 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, and at the third 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. Mass spectrometer according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first, the second and third reference potentials are essentially the same. Mass spectrometer according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the first, the second and third DC voltages are substantially the same are. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first the second and third potential are substantially the same. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device 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 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 Has electrodes and wherein the electrodes in a segment in kept essentially at the same DC potential become. A mass spectrometer according to claim 20, wherein a plurality of segments maintained at substantially the same DC potential become. A mass spectrometer according to claim 20 or 21, wherein each segment essentially at the same DC potential as that following nth segment is held, where n 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 by an electri cal alternating or RF field are locked radially within the fragmentation device. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Ions radially inside the fragmentation device in a pseudo-potential well are locked up and axially by a real potential wall or a real potential well is limited are. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the time of flight of ions through the fragmentation device selected from the following group 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. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein ensured is that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of those in the fragmentation device incoming ions when used have an energy that is easy for a charged ion larger or is equal to 10 eV or for a double charged ion greater than or equal to Is 20 eV, so that causes is that the Ions fragment. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein ensured is that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of those in the fragmentation device incoming ions when colliding with the collision gas within the Fragmentation device fragment. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device in one of the following group chosen Pressure is 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 to 5 mbar and (xi) greater or equal to 10 mbar. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device in 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 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 fragmentation device when used in one of the following group selected 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 fragmentation device when used on such a print is kept on the ions passing through the fragmentation device are more viscous Exerted resistance becomes. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms at first a first axial position and subsequently a second and then a third different axial position along the fragmentation device to be provided. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein ensured is that at the use of one or more transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms from one End of the fragmentation device to another end of the fragmentation device move so that ions be pushed along the fragmentation device. A mass spectrometer according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC voltages produce: (i) one potential hill or a potential wall, (ii) one potential well, (iii) several potential hill or potential walls, (iv) several potential wells, (v) a combination of a potential hill or a potential wall and a potential well, or (vi) a combination several potential hills or potential walls and several potential wells. A mass spectrometer according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms include repetitive waveform. 36. The mass spectrometer of claim 35, wherein the one or more transient DC waveforms surround a square wave believe it. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the amplitude the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms remain essentially constant over time. Mass spectrometer according to one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the Amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transient DC waveforms changes over time. A mass spectrometer according to claim 38, wherein the amplitude of the one or more transient DC voltages or one or the multiple transient DC waveforms (i) in time increases, (ii) increases in time and then decreases, (iii) increases in time decreases or (iv) decreases in time and then increases. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device has an upstream entrance area, one downstream located output area and an intermediate area, wherein: in the input area the amplitude of one or more transients DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms has a first value the amplitude in the intermediate range one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms a second Has value and in the output area the amplitude of one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC waveforms a third Has value. The mass spectrometer of claim 40, wherein the entrance area and / or the output region a portion of the total axis length of the fragmentation device comprises 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%. The mass spectrometer of claim 40 or 41, 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 40 or 41, wherein the second Amplitude greater than the first amplitude is and / or the second amplitude is greater than is the third amplitude. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms in use at a second speed along the fragmentation device to run. The mass spectrometer of claim 44, wherein the second speed (i) remains essentially constant, (ii) changes, (iii) increases, (iv) increases and then decreases, (v) decreases, (vi) decreases and then increases, (vii) is substantially reduced to zero, (viii) the direction reverses or (ix) is substantially reduced to zero and then reverses the direction. The mass spectrometer of claim 44, wherein the difference between the first speed and the second speed from the selected the following group 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 any one of claims 44, 45 or 46, wherein the second speed is selected from the following group: (i) 500-750 m / s, (ii) 750-1000 m / s, (iii) 1000 - 1250 m / s, (iv) 1250-1500 m / s, (v) 1500 - 1750 m / s, (vi) 1750-2000 m / s, (vii) 2000-2250 m / s, (viii) 2250 - 2500 m / s, (ix) 2500-2750 m / s, (x) 2750 - 3000 m / s, (xi) 3000 - 3250 m / s, (xii) 3250-3500 m / s, (xiii) 3500 - 3750 m / s, (xiv) 3750 - 4000 m / s, (xv) 4000 - 4250 m / s, (xvi) 4250-4500 m / s, (xvii) 4500 - 4750 m / s, (xviii) 4750 - 5000 m / s, (xix) 5000 - 5250 m / s, (xx) 5250-5500 m / s, (xxi) 5500 - 5750 m / s, (xxii) 5750 - 6000 m / s and (xxiii)> 6000 m / s. The mass spectrometer of claim 44, wherein the second speed is substantially equal to the first speed. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more transient DC voltages or the one or the multiple transient DC waveforms have a frequency have, the frequency (i) remaining 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 one or more transient DC voltages or one or more DC transient waveforms have a wavelength being the wavelength (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 two or more DC transient voltages or two or more DC transient waveforms run simultaneously along the fragmentation device. The mass spectrometer of claim 51, wherein the two or more transient DC voltages or the two or more transients Move DC waveforms (i) in the same direction, (ii) move in opposite directions, (iii) towards each other move, (iv) move away from each other. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more transient DC voltages or one or more Transient DC waveforms repeatedly generated and at for use along the fragmentation device, the frequency of generating the one or more transients DC voltages or the one or more transient DC voltage waveforms (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 when using a continuous ion beam at an entrance the fragmentation device is received. Mass spectrometer according to one of claims 1 to 53, wherein in the Use ion packets at an entrance to the fragmentation device be received. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when using ion pulses from an output of the fragmentation device escape. The mass spectrometer of claim 56, further comprising an ion detector has, being for it is ensured that the Ion detector when used with those from the exit of the fragmentation device emerging ion pulses essentially phase-synchronized is. A mass spectrometer according to claim 56 or 57, which further has a time-of-flight mass analyzer that has an electrode for Injecting ions into a drift area, being taken care of is that the Electrode when used with the output from the fragmentation device emerging ion pulses essentially synchronized with energy is supplied. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device is selected from the following group: (i) an ion funnel with multiple electrodes in which there are openings through which ions are transferred, being the diameter of the openings is getting smaller or bigger, (ii) an ion tunnel with several electrodes in which there are openings, transmitted through the ions , the diameter of the openings being substantially constant remains, and (iii) a stack of plate, ring or wire loop electrodes. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device has a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode has an opening through which ions are transferred in use. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each electrode has a substantially circular opening. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each electrode has a single opening through which ions are transferred in use. A mass spectrometer according to claim 60, 61 or 62, wherein the diameter of the openings of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the fragmentation device forming electrodes 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 or 95% of the fragmentation device forming electrodes openings have substantially the same size or area. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 58, wherein the fragmentation device has a segmented set of rods. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device consists of: (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% or 95% the electrodes are 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 1.0 mm and (vi) less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fragmentation device has a length selected from the following group selected is: (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 the fragmentation device is a housing with an upstream opening, to enable that ions entering the fragmentation device and a downstream opening, to enable that ions emerge from the fragmentation device. The mass spectrometer of claim 69, wherein the fragmentation device further has an inlet opening, through which a collision gas is introduced. The mass spectrometer of claim 70, wherein the collision gas Air and / or one or more inert gases and / or one or more Has non-inert gases. Mass spectrometer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the electrodes both 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 axially adjacent electrodes AC or RF voltages with 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 at least some of the electrodes are supplied so that ions along at least a portion of the length of the fragmentation device packed become. A mass spectrometer according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises an 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) a matrix supported Laser desorption ionization ion source ("MALDI ion source"), (v) a laser desorption ionization ion source ("LDI ion source"), (vi) an inductively coupled plasma ion source ("ICP ion source"), (vii) an electron impact ion source ("EI ion source"), (viii) an ion source with chemical ionization ("CI ion source"), (ix) a fast atom bombardment ion source ("FAB ion source") and (x) a liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry ion source ( "LSIMS") ion source. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 74, which further has a continuous ion source. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 74, which further has a pulsed ion source. Mass spectrometer, which has: an ion source, on Mass filter, a fragmentation device for fragmenting Ions, the fragmentation device having a plurality of electrodes, being when using for it care is taken that at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first Mass-to-charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different mass-to-charge ratio essentially simultaneously at substantially the same first speed by at least one Section of the fragmentation device are transmitted, and one Mass analyzer. The mass spectrometer of claim 78, which is further upstream of the Mass filter arranged ion guide having. The mass spectrometer of claim 79, wherein the ion guide is multiple Has electrodes, at least some of the electrodes both to a DC voltage supply as well as to an AC voltage supply or HF power supply are connected and one or more transient DC voltages or the one or more transients DC waveforms when used along at least a section of length the ion guide are moved to ions along the portion of the length of the ion guide to urge. A mass spectrometer according to claim 78, 79 or 80, wherein the mass filter a quadrupole mass filter. A mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 78 to 81, wherein the mass analyzer a time-of-flight mass analyzer, a quadrupole mass analyzer, a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass analyzer ("FTICR mass analyzer") and comprises a 2D (linear) or 3D (Paul) quadrupole ion trap. Mass spectrometer with a collision cell, with the Use ions that differ in their mass-to-charge ratios by at least 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 mass-to-charge ratio units distinguish by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the collision cell at essentially the same Running speed. Mass spectrometer with a collision cell, with the Use ions with significantly different mass-charge ratios transmitted through the collision cell at substantially the same speed become. Mass spectrometry method with the following steps: Provide a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, wherein the fragmentation device has a plurality of electrodes, and in the essential simultaneous transmission of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first mass-to-charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different Mass-to-charge ratio through at least a portion of the fragmentation device essentially the same first speed. Mass spectrometry method with the following steps:  Provide an ion source, a mass filter, a fragmentation device for fragmenting ions, the fragmentation device having several Has electrodes, and a mass analyzer and essentially simultaneous transmission of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a first mass-to-charge ratio and at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the ions with a second different Mass-to-charge ratio at essentially the same first speed by at least a portion of the fragmentation device. Mass spectrometry method with the following steps: Provide a collision cell and Passing ions that are in their mass-to-charge ratios by at least 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 Mass to charge ratio units distinguish by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the collision cell at essentially the same Speed. Mass spectrometry method with the following steps: Provide a collision cell and Transfer of ions with significantly different mass-charge ratios through the collision cell at essentially the same speed. Mass spectrometer, which has: an AC voltage or HF ion guidance and a fragmentation device located downstream of the AC or HF ion guidance is arranged being one or more when used transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms continuously applied to the AC voltage or HF ion guide be taken care of will that ions with several different mass-to-charge ratios with essentially at the same speed through the ion guide, whereupon then for that it is ensured that the Ions into the fragmentation device at substantially the same rate occur and to a significant extent to be fragmented. A mass spectrometer according to claim 89, wherein in use a first background gas within the fragmentation device is present and a second background gas within the AC voltage or HF ion guidance available and the first background gas is considerably heavier than the second Background gas is. The mass spectrometer of claim 89 or 90, wherein the fragmentation device is kept at a significantly higher pressure than when in use AC or HF ion guidance. A method of mass spectrometry comprising the steps of: providing an AC or RF ion guide and a fragmentation device downstream of the AC or RF ion guide and continuously applying one or more transient DC voltages or one or more transient DC voltage waveforms to the AC or RF -Ion guidance so that ions with several different mass-to-charge ratios pass through the ion guidance at substantially the same rate will then be made to enter the fragmentation device at substantially the same rate, whereupon they will be fragmented to a significant extent. 92. The method of claim 92, wherein in use a first Background gas present within the fragmentation device is and a second background gas within the AC voltage or HF ion guidance is present and the first background gas is considerably heavier is as the second background gas. The method of claim 92 or 93, wherein the fragmentation device when used at a significantly higher pressure than the AC voltage or held HF ion guidance becomes.