Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry Explained

Orbitrap mass spectrometry is a type of mass analyzer and the orbitrap itself looks something like this! It works based on 2 main principles. Similar to the moon orbiting around the Earth, it causes ions to orbit around this metal rod here in the middle. This is called a Kingdon trap and works by giving this rod an electrical charge which is opposite of the ion to be analyzed. The perpendicular motion cancels out the attraction between the electrically charged rod and the ion, causing the ion to exist in an “orbital” state. This is the reason why the ions stay in one place in orbitrap mass spectrometry.
However, in order to measure the mass-to-charge ratio we have to utilize something called the “Knight trap” which causes the ions within the trap to have harmonic motion in the x-direction. By measuring the frequency of this back and forward motion along the central axis we are able to determine the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. Ultimately, just like in FTICR, we need to use a Fourier transform to turn this signal into a mass spectra.
The result is a mass spectrogram that is extremely high in its resolution as well as very accurate. In addition, the orbitrap mass analyzer is extremely robust due to its simple structure.

[@biotechlucas4126]

Please let me know what other topics you want me to cover!
Next I will do at least one more video on topics relating to mass spectrometry since they tend to be in high demand and then I will most likely move on to proteomics!
If you have some more specific suggestions, do not hesitate to tell me in the comments!
Also, check out @shortchemistry7927 video on both FTICR and Orbitrap MS! He explains it insanely well! You can check out his video here: czcams.com/video/kU3-0NxuXNY/video.html
Please let him know I sent you in case you have not watched his stuff before ;D
It is really good! UNTIL NEXT TIME!

[@AdmiralSP]

Hey!
Thanks a lot for this great content. I have been trying to figure out if the Sensitivity on Orbitrap instruments is as good as tQ MS systems for quantitative analysis...
What are you thoughts on this?
Thanks again for the great content.

[@biotechlucas4126]

Hi, I am unsure but I would assume that it greatly depends on what you are trying to analyze😇
Sorry that I can't be of more help!

[@AdmiralSP]

​@@biotechlucas4126 thanks for the reply...
Is there anyway I can get in touch with you? Twitter or email or something?
I'm a geologist working on chemistry (don't know how this happened) and I'm sorta lost. Could use a little help with some stuff..
I understand if that isn't okay with you.
Thanks!

[@biotechlucas4126]

@@AdmiralSP You can always email me at [e-mail] and I will help you in any way I can!