WHAT IT IS
Magnetic Sector Radius – The radius is the distance between the ion’s curved trajectory and the center of the magnetic field. A larger radius provides better resolution and improved mass separation.
Magnetic Sector Angle – The angle defines how much the ion’s trajectory is bent by the magnetic field. Standard configurations use angles of 90° or 180° for effective separation and focusing.
These parameters control how ions are deflected based on their mass and charge, impacting the precision of mass analysis.
HOW IT WORKS
Ion Deflection by Magnetic Field: When ions enter the magnetic field, they experience a force perpendicular to their motion, causing them to move along a curved path.
Mass-Based Separation: The degree of curvature depends on the ion’s mass, charge, and velocity. Heavier ions take a wider path, while lighter ions follow a tighter curve.
Ion Focusing: Properly designed magnetic sectors focus ions of the same m/z onto a detector, reducing signal dispersion and enhancing resolution.
IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE
Higher Resolution: A larger radius and optimized angle improve mass resolution, allowing better separation of closely spaced peaks.
Improved Sensitivity: Properly configured parameters enhance ion transmission, increasing signal strength and detection capability.
Expanded Mass Range: Larger radii enable the detection of high-mass ions, broadening the instrument’s analytical range.
Enhanced Stability: Well-calibrated sectors ensure reproducible measurements by maintaining consistent ion focusing.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
Larger Instrument Size: Increasing the radius requires more space, making the spectrometer bulkier.
Higher Cost: Advanced sector designs with precise curvature control are more expensive to manufacture and maintain.
Ion Losses: Suboptimal design can result in reduced ion transmission, affecting sensitivity.