Full-scan sensitivity, in-depth MS/MS analysis
For a general-purpose mass spectrometer look no further than the Thermo Scientific Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometers. With new lower prices, Ion trap mass spectrometers are cost-effective and provide automation features which enable all users, despite expertise level, to be more confident in not only their results, but instrument operation skills. Learn more about ion trap mass spectrometry below or request assistance from one of our experts.
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How does an ion trap work?
Principles of operation
As the main RF voltage increases, ions of greater and greater mass-to-charge ratios eject through the slots in the linear trap. Ions are focused toward the ion detection system where they are detected.
Listen directly from our expert, Julie Horner, about the benefits of Ion Trap mass spectrometry for various applications.
Compare linear ion trap mass spectrometers
| Performance Specifications | For everyday affordability LTQ XL Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer |
For accelerating innovation Velos Pro Dual Pressure Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer |
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| Description | Cost effective and flexible. | Ultimate in performance. | |||||
| Sensitivity | 250 fg Reserpine; 100:1 S/N | 100 fg Reserpine; 100:1 S/N | |||||
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| Linear Dynamic Range | >4.5 orders of magnitude | >6 orders of magnitude | |||||
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| Mass Ranges |
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| Resolution, scan speed and mass accuracy | Peak Width (FWHM) | Scan Rate (Da/Sec) | Mass Accuracy (Da) | Peak Width (FWHM) | Scan Rate (Da/Sec) | Mass Accuracy (Da) | |
| 3 | 125,000 | 1.5 | 3 | 125,000 | 1.5 | ||
| 0.7 | 16,667 | 0.15 | |
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| 0.45 | 5,000 | 0.15 | |||||
| 0.3 | 1,111 | 0.15 | |||||
| 0.15 | 28 | 0.15 | |||||
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0.6 | 66,667 | 0.15 | ||||
| 0.5 | 33,333 | 0.1 | |||||
| 0.35 | 10,000 | 0.1 | |||||
| 0.25 | 2,222 | 0.1 | |||||
| 0.075 | 28 | 0.1 | |||||
| Application across multiple matrices | |||||||
| Proteomics Peptide Identification | Ion Trap |
Q Exactive Plus |
Q Exactive HF-X |
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| Pharmaceutical Metabolism and Metabolite Identification | Ion Trap |
Q Exactive Plus |
Orbitrap ID-X |
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| Untargeted Screening | — | Ion Trap |
Q Exactive Series |
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| Unknown Screening | Ion Trap |
Q Exactive Plus |
Orbitrap ID-X |
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| Structural Elucidation and Confirmation | Q Exactive Plus |
Ion Trap |
Orbitrap ID-X |
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| Quantitation | Q Exactive Plus |
Ion Trap |
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| = Good |
= Better |
= Best |
| Structural Characterization | LTQ XL | Velos Pro Dual-Pressure |
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Collision Induced Dissociation (CID)
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Included | Included |
Pulsed “q” Dissociation (PQD)
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Included | Included |
Higher Energy Collision Induced Dissociation (HCD)
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Not Available | Software Option |
Key benefits of our ion trap mass spectrometers
Gain application flexibility
Achieve high quality full-scan and MS/MS analysis of samples quickly, and easily for running your application or for teaching students the fundamentals of mass spectrometry. Take control of your data using the efficient Thermo Scientific Xcalibur software which enables method set up, acquisition, processing and reporting.
Stretch your dollars
Take full advantage of new lower prices offered by the highest capacity, most flexible ion trap MS instruments on the market. We
offer customized service offerings with Unity Lab Services designed to meet your service support needs.
Perform rapid MS analysis
PaperSpray technology is a direct ionization technique for analysis of small molecules from complex matrices such as blood or urine. Enables quick, sensitive and selective analysis from sample to mass spectrometer.
Featured ion trap LC-MS documents
Application notes
Related systems
LC-MS webinar series
Expand your application knowledge
Our LC-MS on-demand webinar series expands your application knowledge for pharma, biopharma, environmental, omics, food, forensics and clinical research and more. Learn how the latest high-performance mass spectrometry solutions can enable your laboratory to solve your most pressing analytical challenges, regardless of sample type.
