On-line computer system for processing high resolution mass spectral data

A system is described in which a magnet scanning, high resolution mass spectrometer, used for organic chemical structure determination, is connected to a small high speed computer. This system, although not yet fully operational, is at present being commissioned. During a spectrum scan the computer will evaluate the times of arrival at the spectrometer collector of the various ion species and their relative abundances. The system will handle data at a rate consistent with a scan of a mass decade in 10 seconds at a resolving power of 10000. Following the scan, the arrival times will be related to the corresponding mass-to-charge ratios of the ions, and the atomic compositions of the ions can then be determined. Finally a print-out of the spectral data will be produced in a form suitable for interpretation by the spectroscopist.