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Functional Description
Mass Spectrometer
Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum XLS Series User Guide 31
Mass Analyzer
The mass analyzer separates ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio and then passes them
to the ion detection system. The mass analyzers on the TSQ Quantum XLS Series mass
spectrometers consist of three quadrupole rod assemblies (Q1, Q2, and Q3) and three lens
sets.
The mass analyzer is discussed in detail in the following subtopics:
• Quadrupole Rod Assemblies
• Rf and dc Fields Applied to the Quadrupoles
• Mass Analysis
• Collision Cell and CID Efficiency
• Quadrupole Offset Voltage
• Mass Analyzer Lenses
Quadrupole Rod Assemblies
The three rod assemblies used in the mass spectrometer are numbered from the ion source end
of the manifold and are designated Q1, Q2, and Q3. Q1 and Q3 are quadrupoles that enable
high-resolution scans without signal loss.
Q1 and Q3 are square arrays of precision-machined and precision-aligned, true hyperbolic
quadrupoles, called hyperquads (TSQ Quantum XLS Ultra mass spectrometer) or
hyperbolic-profile round rods (TSQ Quantum XLS mass spectrometer). See Figure 20 and
Figure 21. Quartz spacers act as electrical insulators between adjacent rods.
Figure 20. Q1 or Q3 hyperquad of the TSQ Quantum XLS Ultra mass spectrometer
Figure 21. Q1 or Q3 quadrupole of the TSQ Quantum XLS mass spectrometer