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Advances In Biomolecule Analysis: Ftms Of Macromolecules, Curtiss D. Hanson, Ira M. Simet, Suzanne R. Smith

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

The development of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) as an analytical technique has opened new avenues to the analysis of high molecular weight biomolecules. Because mass analysis is based on a detection of a frequency, it is possible to obtain high resolution mass measurements without sacrificing sensitivity. The unique ability to analyze high mass ions is based in the design of a passive ExB ion trap. Although in the past, field inhomogeneities have limited this technique, recent developments in both trap designs and excitation techniques have resulted in major improvements in both sensitivity and resolution.